RETROFIT PROJECT VW Golf 8 Rear Wiper Delete & Reversing Camera Install
VW Golf 8 — Rear Wiper Delete & Reversing Camera Install

Round barrel camera into the OEM wiper hole | Autovox T9 Pro mirror dash cam integration

Barrel camera | T9 Pro mirror dash cam
Overview: Remove the rear wiper assembly and mount a compact round barrel reversing camera in the vacated spindle hole. The camera feeds into a Autovox T9 Pro rear-view mirror dash cam for a clean OEM-look backup system with no visible external wiring. The Golf 8 wiper spindle hole (26.5 mm) is larger than the camera barrel (22.5 mm), so a rubber grommet is required to seal and hold the camera securely.
Critical Measurements
| Component | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golf 8 wiper hole | 26.5 mm | Rear glass after spindle removal |
| Camera barrel OD | 22.5 mm | Outer diameter of round camera body |
| Gap / clearance | 4.0 mm | 2.0 mm each side — grommet required |
| Grommet OD needed | ~26.5 mm | Locks into glass hole |
| Grommet ID needed | ~22.5 mm | Grips camera barrel |
Recommended Grommet — MECCANIXITY T-Shape 26 mm

| Mount hole | 26 mm |
| Inner bore | 23 mm |
| Flange OD | 34 mm |
| Height | 13.7 mm |
| Material | Silicone |
| Pack | 10 pcs |
View grommet on Amazon (B0DRYL4PNY)
Fitment Check
| Check | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Grommet 26 mm → hole 26.5 mm | 0.5 mm gap | Thin silicone bead around grommet flange on exterior glass |
| Camera 22.5 mm → bore 23 mm | 0.5 mm loose | 1–2 layers PTFE / self-amalgamating tape around camera barrel before inserting |
Parts Required
- Round barrel reversing camera (22.5 mm barrel OD)
- MECCANIXITY T-Shape Grommet 26 mm (Amazon: B0DRYL4PNY)
- PTFE / self-amalgamating tape
- Autovox T9 Pro mirror dash cam
- Rear camera cable (RCA or proprietary)
- Cable clips / trim adhesive
- Black silicone sealant

Tools Required
- Trim removal pry tools
- T20 & T25 Torx screwdrivers
- 8 mm socket / ratchet
- Multimeter (hardwire power)
- Wire stripper & connectors
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes
Installation Steps
- Remove rear wiper arm: Open the boot. Lift the wiper arm, remove the 13 mm base nut and pull the arm off the spindle. Inside the boot, unplug the wiper motor connector, remove the T20 mounting bolts and pull the spindle assembly out through the glass.
- Clean & prep the hole: Wipe the 26.5 mm hole area with isopropyl alcohol. Remove any burrs or sharp edges. Dry thoroughly before fitting the grommet.
- Wrap camera & fit grommet: Wrap 1–2 layers of PTFE tape around the camera barrel. Press the MECCANIXITY 26 mm grommet into the hole from outside — the channel lip seats flush on both glass faces. Apply a thin silicone bead around the outer flange to seal the 0.5 mm gap.
- Insert the camera: Feed the camera cable through the grommet from inside the boot outward. Push the taped barrel into the grommet from outside. Rotate the lens to point slightly downward. Tighten the locking ring. Add a silicone bead around the outer edge if desired.
- Route the cable: Run the cable along the boot lid using existing clips. Feed through the boot lid hinge rubber conduit into the cabin. Route along the headliner or pillar trim to the mirror. Leave slack at the hinge for full lid movement.
- Connect to mirror dash cam: Plug the rear camera cable into the T9 Pro rear camera input. Tap into the fuse box for a 12V ignition-switched power feed. Refer to the mirror cam manual for wiring. Tuck all cables behind trims.
- Test & adjust angle: Turn on ignition and confirm the rear image appears on the mirror screen. Loosen the retaining ring, rotate the camera to the correct angle, re-tighten. If the image is inverted, enable Image Flip in the dash cam settings.
- Refit trims & final check: Refit all trims and clips. Confirm the boot lid opens and closes without snagging the cable. Pour water gently around the grommet to verify a watertight seal.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Image upside-down: Enable Image Flip / Mirror in dash cam settings, or physically rotate the barrel.
- Water ingress: Re-check grommet seating. Apply a black silicone bead around the outer flange on the exterior glass.
- Grommet won't stay: Apply a small amount of silicone inside the hole before pressing the grommet in.
- Poor night image: Keep the camera lens clean and ensure the IR LEDs are unobstructed.
✔ When complete you will have a fully sealed, watertight reversing camera in the OEM wiper hole with no visible wiring and a clean factory finish.
Reference guide only. Always verify dimensions before modifying your vehicle. Consult a professional if unsure.