Lift and prop the bonnet and ease-out the lower end of the bonnet insulation panel just enough to get finger-access to the inside of the panel. The supply pipe for both washer-jets is located inside here. Draw the pipe out from its location below the jet until you can get at the plastic connector which connects the supply pipe to the rubber jet pipe. To change the jet, this rubber pipe has to be disconnected from the connector and it is almost impossible to do this just by pulling. The best way to get the pipe to start moving is by inserting a flat-bladed screwdriver between the end of the pipe and the connector body and then rotating the screwdriver so that the pipe is pushed away from the connector. When the pipe has been disconnected, get a firm grip on the sides of the washer-jet body with a pair of pliers. Rock it from side to side whilst pulling it upwards from the bonnet top. This compresses the jet retaining clip (which is moulded into the jet body) and the jet can then be removed together with its rubber pipe. This pipe is fitted with two plastic connectors. One of them has a non-return ball valve inside it which can stick and stop the jet working. It's a waste of time trying to free the stuck ball valve as it will probably get stuck again. A new jet is the best option as the rubber pipe and valve are supplied with it. Refitting the jet can be tricky as the rubber pipe passes through the bonnet at an angle. Don't clip the jet into place until the rubber pipe has been re-attached to the connector. If you can't find the end of the pipe under the insulation panel, tape a piece of wire to the pipe and guide it down through with this. Attach the pipe to the connector and then test the jet before finally clipping it into place.
NOTE! This describes the replacement of the driver-side washer jet on a '57 reg. Peugeot 407. There may be other jet design variations. Using this method could cause some distortion of the insulation panel if you are too heavy-handed so, alternatively, the panel could be unclipped near the pipes or completely removed.
philthefixer, March 2012
