Overview of Windshield Washer Pump Testing on B0 Platform Vehicles
Research focused on pumps used in the most common cars built on the B0 platform, including Lada models Largus, Vesta, XRAY, and Renault lines such as Arkana, Duster, Logan, among others. The aim was to verify reliability and identify pumps that perform well under varied conditions. It is possible to replace only the washing pump rather than the entire tank assembly when issues arise, a practical option for many owners.
The study gathered a range of pumps, from well-known names to lesser known brands, all ranked by quality. The selection was organized alphabetically in the record.
What, how and why the testing was conducted
Initial measurements captured flow characteristics with no load, then with two nozzles operating as in a real vehicle, and finally on a simulated highway to assess performance. The tests estimated the produced pressure, measured the liquid flow, and determined the pump-specific consumption. The data show how effectively the liquid is delivered to the windshield.
Winter conditions can change viscosity, especially for certain approved isopropyl blends, so margins in pump performance are desirable. The pumps were frozen while filled with water at minus forty degrees Celsius for four hours, then cycled ten times with brief pauses to simulate intermittent operation.
After thawing for twelve hours, flow pressure indicators were retaken and compared to the initial results. Additional cycles tested resistance to freezing and thawing. Water-filled pumps endured freezing at minus forty for three hours, followed by a three hour exposure to plus forty, with several repeats.
Another test replicated a blocked discharge line scenario where nozzles freeze. In that mode, pumps ran six times within a minute for two to five seconds, after which their characteristics were measured again. A heat resistance test subjected pumps to one hundred degrees Celsius for three hours, followed by parameter measurements. The last stage involved five hundred cycles of five seconds on and fifteen seconds off, with a final data check.
Product lineup
AMD wash pump
| estimated price 550 | Following temperature changes, the parameters shifted: maximum pressure dropped by 0.15 atm, maximum flow decreased by 10 l/h, and nozzle outlet flow fell by 15 l/h. Recommendation could not be issued. |
AT Washer reservoir pump
| estimated price 350 | Three seconds of operation showed a stark drop in performance. Recommendation could not be issued. |
February Bilstein
| estimated price 1100 | Resistance tests with blocked armature caused a drop of 0.2 atm from peak pressure, yet overall performance remained strong. On balance, recommended. |
Gallant WP1 Washing machine pump
| estimated price 550 | After warming, power fell to 35 l/h from 140 l/h, four times. It was removed from testing and not recommended. |
Kortex wash pump
| estimated price 800 | Repeated temperature cycling lowered maximum pressure by 0.2 atm and reduced flow by 20 l/h, yet absolute values remained modest. Recommendation not made. |
Lada Genuine Parts Windshield Washer Pump
| estimated price 2700 | The most expensive unit in the sample, but it delivered top flow and pressure. If budget allows, it is a candidate for recommendation. |
Original parts from the Renault group
| estimated price 1900 | Good stability of parameters, though not the best in any category; price is high but overall recommendation stands. |
Start Volt Washer pump
| estimated price 400 | Both maximum pressure and flow remained unchanged after testing. Stable parameters make it a strong option for consideration. |
Stellox
| estimated price 560 | Champion for both maximum pressure and flow. Two-nozzle operation also performed best. Price is reasonable. Recommended. |
Untitled High quality
| estimated price 550 | Unclear recognition value; test results were moderate. Not recommended. |
Summary
Initial tests showed some pumps clearly underperforming and several were removed from consideration. The AMD and Kortex units showed reduced output after temperature exposure, while Gallant exhibited unreliable behavior after heating and was excluded. Eight pumps completed the full evaluation successfully. The final table presents both initial and final characteristics for all pumps tested.
Five pumps earned a recommendation: Stellox, Start Volt, and Lada Genuine were highlighted for reliability and performance.
When selecting a pump for B0 platform cars, including sedans, one should consider whether the two-ready nozzles design or a single nozzle with a direct windshield feed is needed. Dual-nozzle pumps can be used on sedans by capping one outlet with a plug; however, they tend to cost a bit more.
Pump parameters before and after the full test cycle
| max developed pressure | max consumption | max current | consumption with two nozzles | amperage with two nozzles | pressure with two nozzles | |
| amd | 1.85/1.7 | 140/130 | 3.73/3.75 | 95/80 | 3.49/3.5 | 1.15/1.1 |
| BEE | 1.95/- | 120/- | 3.34/- | 85/- | 3.15/- | a/- |
| febi | 2.55/2.35 | 195/190 | 4.12/4.26 | 110/100 | 3.67/3.62 | 1.55/1.55 |
| Brave | 1.85/- | 140/35 | 3.46/- | 90/- | 3.24/- | 1.1/- |
| Kortex | 2.15/1.95 | 165/150 | 3.84/3.65 | 100/80 | 3.57/3.25 | 1.35/1.2 |
| Lada | 2.4/2.3 | 205/198 | 3.64/3.74 | 115/95 | 3.25/3.25 | 1.6/1.6 |
| Renault | 2.15/2.1 | 198/190 | 3.51/3.73 | 110/95 | 3.15/3.1 | 1.45/1.45 |
| StartVolt | 1.9/1.9 | 160/160 | 3.9/4.12 | 100/90 | 3.53/3.67 | 1.4/1.35 |
| Stellox | 2.55/2.5 | 230/220 | 4.93/4.61 | 120/100 | 4.35/4.1 | 1.9/1.9 |
| high quality | 1.7/1.5 | 155/150 | 3.38/3.52 | 90/75 | 3.1/3.15 | 1.1/1.05 |
* Removed from testing on first test. Withdrawn from testing after testing for heat resistance.
Laboratory assistance was provided by the testing facility of OOO vzw Talis.
THE ENERGY OF THE GERMAN AIRA curious technical solution was once used in the famous Volkswagen Beetle. There was no windscreen washer pump: the energy source was air from the spare wheel. A closed reservoir with a sprayer was constantly under pressure, and a button valve on the dashboard opened or closed the passage of water. The spare wheel had to be constantly inflated otherwise the driver could be left without an effective washer. |
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