Why can't I find what the replacement wiper is at my local parts stores? 2003 Mini Cooper S... rear wiper blade. HELP!!!! What do I need to get?

 

So, no one has had to replace their rear wiper blade? I am curious if I can use a generic blade or if I have to get a genuine OEM replacement?

 

You have to get an oem replacement but like you I couldn't find a replacement. So I just hopped on Ebay and just got the whole replacement wiper arm. It's pretty cheap and plentiful on Ebay. Around 20 bucks plus shipping.

 

Thanks! I just ordered one... I had some eBay Bucks so cut the price in half. Kind of frustrating not to be able to get a generic replacement. It's fun to explore this little car... now to find the battery...

 

Glad you found it!

 

One more related question... where is the nozzle for the washer spray? I filled up both reservoirs, and the front nozzles had some clogging, but the rear is not spraying. I can't find the nozzle to save my life and the owner's manual does not show it. Thanks

 

I found out where the nozzle is... probably has gunk in it somewhere... appears to be plastic so will CAREFULLY clean

 

I have a 2003 Cooper S. The washer worked for the front windshield but not the back window. As they are the same washer pump I started at the rear of the car.

I cleaned out the orifice for the sprayer for the rear and it still didn't spray. I took off the rear wiper and tried again, no fluid. I did not see a puddle of fluid on the floor so knew that it was a clog and not a disconnected hose. Also the sound of the washer motor was higher on the clogged rear wiper than the front, also indicating a clogged hose. I noticed that the fluid runs through the wiper shaft itself and had rusted the pipe closed. I took off the inner panel of the rear hatch (4-6 screws, then pry the panel off it is held with small metal clips, quite easy). I took off the back of the wiper motor gearbox (4 small screws) to get to the backside of the wiper shaft. I then used a 3/32 drill bit and by hand started auguring out the rust-filled shaft. The shaft and therefore the water passage is straight so will not be damaged by the drill bit. I was able to get the small bit all the way through the shaft. The shaft will accept slightly larger bit but it would not go all the way through even after a lot of spinning the bit (all done by hand). I then reattached the washer hose to the shaft and ran the motor without the wiper blade (so not to clog the washer nozzle) to flush out the rust particles and now I had fluid. I cleaned out the shaft several times and flushed it with fluid several times until the shaft was as clean as I could get it. I put it all back together and now have an operating rear washer.

I would imagine all of the older Minis will have this problem as the steel shaft will rust. I also think that occasional use of the washer would delay or prevent this as the microscopic rust particles from the shaft will get flushed out instead of collecting and closing off the passage.

You may be able to accomplish this without removal of the rear inside panel if the clog is not too bad. Just remove the wiper and then I would just to use the drill bit and then use the washer repeatedly until clean fluid starts coming out.

 

Thanks h20skier. Mine hasn't worked in a while. Gonna try that out.