Rear camera washer mod

InTheShadows · Mar 29, 2014

Has anyone thought about trying to make a rear camera washer that would squirt washer fluid on the camera lense to clear it off in winter driving and/ or in the rain?

I hate it when it's raining or dirty and you can't use it.

I was thinking if one could put a T fitting into the existing washer line and figure out a way to run a tube to the back and put a little washer nozzle near the camera so when you squirt washer fluid a blast of washer fluid would hit your camera lens and blast the gunk off of it.

We use rain-x washer fluid and this would help to keep the rain beaded up so it's more usable too, I think.

Any thoughts on if this would be plausible?

ModelS1079 · Mar 29, 2014

Cool idea.

Alysashley79 · Mar 29, 2014

This is a fantastic idea. I use actual rain x solution (not washer fluid) on the camera. I reapply it once a week and it does help. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing. Aquapel actually works the best but I don't use it on my windows because they all have film on them so I don't want to wast it just for one time use.

Peter_M · Mar 29, 2014

Theshadows said:
Has anyone thought about trying to make a rear camera washer that would squirt washer fluid on the camera lense to clear it off in winter driving and/ or in the rain?

I hate it when it's raining or dirty and you can't use it.

I was thinking if one could put a T fitting into the existing washer line and figure out a way to run a tube to the back and put a little washer nozzle near the camera so when you squirt washer fluid a blast of washer fluid would hit your camera lens and blast the gunk off of it.

We use rain-x washer fluid and this would help to keep the rain beaded up so it's more usable too, I think.

Any thoughts on if this would be plausible?

A washer would be great - I keep a squirt bottle in the trunk for this.

Maybe something like this would work: Amazon.com: ACI 99300 Windshield Washer Pump: Automotive. You could put the bottle in one of the side wells in the trunk. The challenge would be running the hose all the way up to the top of the trunk opening, across to the trunk lid near the hinge with a flex hose, and back down to the nozzle.

araxara · Mar 29, 2014

This is not an actual washer mod, but it would be interesting if this material were available: Through a glass, clearly | MIT News Office. It repels both water and dust and could be retrofitted over the current lens glass.

Or this: University of Michigan News Service | A material that most liquids won't wet

artsci · Mar 30, 2014

araxara said:
This is not an actual washer mod, but it would be interesting if this material were available: Through a glass, clearly | MIT News Office. It repels both water and dust and could be retrofitted over the current lens glass.

Or this: University of Michigan News Service | A material that most liquids won't wet

With both front a rear cameras on my car I now give both a gentle wipe with lens cleaners after a storm or wet day. It's become a habit.

The challenge to a washer is that it can't leave water droplets on the camera lenses -- that distorts the images big time.

InTheShadows · Mar 30, 2014

artsci said:
With both front a rear cameras on my car I now give both a gentle wipe with lens cleaners after a storm or wet day. It's become a habit.

The challenge to a washer is that it can't leave water droplets on the camera lenses -- that distorts the images big time.

That's why I was thinking about a washer jet.

I have that never wet stuff but I am really not liking the idea of spraying it on the camera. Maybe I'll try it on a pair of glasses to see if it works on them and keeps a clear view.

InTheShadows · Mar 30, 2014

I'm going to start with the rain x directly, like in this gopro how to.

Prevent Tricks - YouTube

ZipByICE · Mar 30, 2014

Here is a "pro" solution.....

artsci · Mar 30, 2014

ByICE said:
Here is a "pro" solution.....

A wiper on a very small camera with a highly curved lens would not be possible.

Interesting that the trim under the headlamp is rusting. I'm rather surprised that Mercedes would make a trim piece in that position out of material that could rust.

SCW-Greg · Mar 30, 2014

What about high pressure air? An air jet instead?

gnychis · Mar 30, 2014

artsci said:
A wiper on a very small camera with a highly curved lens would not be possible.

Interesting that the trim under the headlamp is rusting. I'm rather surprised that Mercedes would make a trim piece in that position out of material that could rust.

Yeah, curving a wiper blade would be tough. The rain-x solutions seem good.

My family has historically owned Mercedes: 1989 300SEL, 1992 500E, 2001 E320, 2009 C320, 2012 C300. The '89 and the 2001 rusted to all hell. Too early to tell on the '09 and '12.

GaryREM · Mar 30, 2014

Gotta get some details from these guys. Let you know what I find out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdMzNIVlS44

tomanik · Mar 30, 2014

GaryREM said:
Gotta get some details from these guys. Let you know what I find out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdMzNIVlS44

Looks like the perfect option.

Julie's MS · Apr 11, 2018

Theshadows said:
Has anyone thought about trying to make a rear camera washer that would squirt washer fluid on the camera lense to clear it off in winter driving and/ or in the rain?

I hate it when it's raining or dirty and you can't use it.

I was thinking if one could put a T fitting into the existing washer line and figure out a way to run a tube to the back and put a little washer nozzle near the camera so when you squirt washer fluid a blast of washer fluid would hit your camera lens and blast the gunk off of it.

We use rain-x washer fluid and this would help to keep the rain beaded up so it's more usable too, I think.

Any thoughts on if this would be plausible?

Range Rover has added this feature. Lets hope some of this tech finds it's way into the new versions of the Tesla's.

Rear Washer jet for rear camera (Video 4.32)

David.85D · Apr 11, 2018

I’ve been playing with this. Worked out the electronics. I’m also pretty sure I can make a washer nozzle that replaces one of the taillight lamp mounting screws. Just need the time to run tubing and wires into the hatch.

I bought a used camera wash system and took it apart. It seems to use a combination of an air pump and washer sprayer to alternate washing and drying.

See post 91 here:
Rear Camera, Can it be kept clean?

Julie's MS · Apr 11, 2018

Hopefully this will encourage Tesla to research the possibility of adding a washer jet for the rear camera on all models in the near future.

Thank you for your post 91. Great work lets hope Tesla takes note to your research and hard work

Jimmy 1 · Apr 12, 2018

I put some Ceramic Pro on the lense, it works very well.

gavine · Apr 12, 2018

I use my thumb to wipe-off the camera. Works great. Only problem is, I can't do it while I'm driving and I usually don't notice the lens is dirty until after I'm already driving. Next time I exit the car, I give it a wipe.

I'm going to try Rain-X because the only time the camera is unusable is when there are water droplets on the lens. Dirt makes the image less clear, but still usable. Water droplets, especially at night, forget it.

headcase · Apr 13, 2018

Jimmy 1 said:
I put some Ceramic Pro on the lense, it works very well.

Interesting. Any issues with water droplets?

Rear camera washer mod

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