Body/Trim: 850: Rear wiper spindle seal

[Bob]

I have not found anything on this so I hope I am not duplicating.

This is something that is easily overlooked as it was with me for probably years. It is the seal where the rear wiper spindle comes through the tailgate. I suspect this may be the same on other estate models.

Fortunately the part is easily available and just over £2. No I did not miss out a few zeros.

You need to remove the rear wiper arm first with a 13mm spanner, then remove the tailgate trim. Then remove the 3x10mm bolts holding the motor and the mechanism. It comes off as one piece. Remove the wires as it is fairly heavy and easier to work on away from the car.

The broken seal may come off with it. If it does simply pull if off the spindle body but do not put too much pressure against the spindle. If it is still in the tailgate push it out.

You may find the spindle body covered with a build up of limescale from years of washing and hard water drying between the seal and the spindle body. Wire brush it clean.

Apply a little lube to the spindle body and fit the new fiber seal over it. Make sure the notch in the seal fits into the lug on the spindle body.

Put a little lube on the outside of the seal and then push it back into the hole. Make sure it goes all the way in.

Refit the wires and the 3x10mm bolts.

Check it all works before putting the tailgate trim back. Make sure all the clips are OK as they often break when removed. A repair kit is available.

The broken seal:



Overview:



This is where it comes through:



The outside of the tailgate:



Part details:



Bob