Nissan Maxima: 1991 Maxima Wipers Broken – Help !

The wipers on my 1991 Maxima broke (during a heavy rain storm of course). The
arms came to an abrupt halt – but I can hear the wiper motor still runs
(thumping sound). The wiper arms are no longer connected to the wiper motor,
they can be moved freely. The wiper arms are still tied together internally (if
you move one, the other moves).

I figured it was either; 1) the plastic cup that couples to the linkage are to
the wiper motor, or 2) the linkage arm from the wiper motor broke. I pulled the
wiper motor this morning – the joint between the linkage and the wiper motor was
intact. I separated the joint and I can tell that the actual linkage arm that
connects the wiper motor to the linkage has either broken or has become
disconnected. I cannot get the arm out though the hole for the wiper motor.

How do I get access to the wiper linkage ? I have the Nissan service manual –
there is no diagram. Do I need to rent a plasma cutter to remove a portion of
the firewall. Perhaps I have to remove the entire dash board and instrument
cluster to get access through the inside of the car. It almost looks like the
wiper linkage can’t be serviced. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Moses

In article <com>, Dan says... 

Thanks - it’s all fixed. The linkage arm was not broken, one of the ball joints
simply popped off. I replaced the arm anyway (~$15 at my local dealer). It was
not fun, but it did not take as long as I thought. I am surprised how little
pressure is required to pop the ball joints on the linkage arms. I’m also
surprised they don’t pop off more often. This car has 156K miles (I got it with
30K), so it does not owe me anything.

Thanks,
Moses