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How to fix the headlight wiper/washer hose retainer on Saab NG900/9-3
I noticed a few posts about the headlight wiper/washer hose retainer being broken or missing on some NG900/9-3 Saabs. I have had similar problem on my 1998 900SET. The driver’s side headlight wiper/washer hose keep getting caught in the bumper trim and getting kinked, stopping the flow of washer fluid to the headlight wiper arm. I ordered a replacement headlight wiper arm from Trollhatten Saab parts and received a new Bosch replacement arm. Upon examining the replacement arm, I noticed that the new Bosch arm used a different type of washer hose retainer, one that can easily be made by an owner. Here are the instructions for replacing the broken or missing headlight wiper/washer hose retainer on your car.
First you will need a length of 1/2 inch (13mm) diameter heat shrink tubing. This is available at places like Home Depot or Radio Shack.
Remove the headlight wiper arm by first disconnecting the washer hose from the arm, then remove the 8mm retaining nut holding the arm to the motor shaft, and then wiggle the arm a bit to disengage the arm from the splines on the shaft. (This is basically just like any other wiper arm, just smaller.)
Using a pair of needle nose pliers, remove the end of the wiper arm tension spring from the pivot pin. The spring just hooks over the pivot pin.
Cut a piece of 1/2 inch (13mm) diameter heat shrink tubing about 1/4 inch (6mm) wide.
Slide the band of heat shrink tubing over the wiper arm tension spring and reinstall the tension spring.
Thread the small rubber tubing for the headlight washer hose through the heat shrink band and reconnect the washer hose.
Reinstall the headlight wiper arm, finger tighten the 8mm retaining nut, and check for proper headlight wiping and washing operation and the proper wiper arm ‘parking’ position. Adjust the wiper arm position as needed and gently tighten the 8mm retaining nut.
There, you saved $25-$35 for a new wiper arm. It really is fairly easy and you can fix a whole lot of headlight wiper/washer hose retainers with just a couple dollars worth of heat shrink tubing.
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