Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

[Garry B.]

My washer system wasn't working so I ordered a new "correct color" rebuild kit including a new bellows. Removal went okay and did discover a torn bellows, so got all of that removed. Having difficulty with installing the new bellows. I am doing this with the system still in the car by the way. I removed the front cover in order to have access to the plunger arm and now have the plunger full advanced forward to facilitate reaching it with the bellows attaching end, but can't get it to catch. I think you have to engage it first and then turn it to lock into place, but the spring is so strong it is hard to push in and twist at the same time. Am I doing something wrong or are there some tricks or tools that I haven't already tried? Open to all suggestions. Thanks.

[David D.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

I used a 3/8" drive socket that fit the inside diameter of the bellows and added a socket extension to use as a "handle" to push in and twist the bellows to seat it.

[Garry B.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

David, I tried that but knowing it worked for you I will give it another go. Did you do yours while the unit was still in the car right? Did you use anything to provide a better grip between the socket and the rubber? Thanks again for your response.

[David D.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

I did this job about 4 years ago, but I believe the pump was still installed on the wiper motor in the car. See if these instructions will help - keeping the plunger arm from moving while you install the bellows... https://www.corvettecentral.com/cont...dfs/652051.pdf

[Garry B.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

David, great and simple directions. The O ring washer is like an islet washer and I can't figure out if the channeled end goes on the bellows or the spring. The diagram would almost lead me to believe it goes on the bellows, but can't tell for sure. Thoughts?

[David D.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

Yes, I believe the channeled or concave portion of the metal washer locates onto the raised ring of the rubber bellows. I just checked my old parts in the garage and the metal washer seems to locate snugly onto the bellows.

[Garry B.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

David, I wrote the vendor and they said that the channeled (intended) actually fits onto the spring end. I agree that it also fits the end of the bellows, but not as well.

[Garry B.]

Re: Installing bellows in '67 washer system- HELP!

I finally had to remove the washer pump to get at the bellows install properly. Not a big job, but I did discover that the eyelet washer inside opening was smaller than the one I had pulled out with the old bellows. After several more tries of using the new washer and being unsuccessful, I switched the washer to the old one and got it to engage with the second try. I think the opening in the washer supplied with the kit was a hair smaller and that kept the bellows from fully engaging. I let the vendor know and of course "they have never had any problems" so, I guess it was just me....