Windshield Wiper/washer problems of the 1998 Audi A4

Pumps are made of hard brittle plastic which fails in heat/cold engine bay. Cracks in the pump body allow the washer fluid to drain (suddenly) leaving no ability to clear the windshield of bugs/salt. Dealer reports that this is a very common problem and keeps a ready supply of replacements on hand. However cost ($60) of parts and difficulty of access (1hr disassembly/reassembly, $80+) makes this an expensive failure. I believe a price concession should be offered for out-of-warranty failures at less than reasonable life failures.

Windshield washer inoperative causing poor visibilty when consumer tried to glear glass of road salt which was sprayed on vehicle by a passing truck. Nlm.