How can I access windshield wiper mechanism on 2006 Monterey?

[Jon Wells]

Hi all,

While driving our 2006 Monterey in the rain, our passenger side wiper started to hit the side mirror arm.  Fortunately, I just had to remove the arm.  The driver side still works fine.  I noticed that the pivot is not firmly mounted to the front like the driver's side is.  I need to check the motor and the linkages.  As far as I can tell, the only way to reach the whole system is to get into the dash.  Before I go digging, I'm hoping someone can give me an idea on how to get in there. 

Thank you,
Jon Wells

[Richard Davis]

Jon
I don't think you can actually access the wiper mechanism down thru the dash.  If you will crawl down and look straight up the back side of the front cap, you should see all of the mechanism.  The hard part is getting up in there to do any repairs.  When I needed to repair mine (driver side), I had to get my young skinny grandson to contort himself and stand up in there to get to the motor.  Good luck.
Richard

[Jon Wells]

I posted this question on the "Beaver Motorhome Fans" Facebook Group.  One person said that he was able to reach his wiper mechanism by going through the dash.  In his case, he found that removing the defrost vents exposed some screws.  Removing these screws allowed him to remove that padded section of the dash.  Then he cut into the plywood and created a trap door allowing him access.  I removed one of my dash defrost vents, unfortunately I do not see any screws.  I'm hoping there's a way to access it all via the dash since it is the passenger side wiper that is messed up, which is in the area above the generator. 

[Richard Davis]

Jon
I think you would be better off disconnecting the generator and extending it out (and supporting it) so you could get above it to work on the wiper mechanicals.  Whatever approach you take, please keep us informed as to what works and what does not so the rest of us with 2006 Monterey's can benefit from your experience.  We will all likely have to go there at some point in the future.  Good luck.
Richard
p.s.  Be aware that the thick plywood segment in front of the firewall and dash is a structural support for the windshield and front cap.  Be careful that you do not diminish that structural support.       

[Carl Boger]

Jon,

I am not sure what kind of access you have as our coaches while still Beavers were made by different manufacturers.
On mine like yours the plywood under the dash is one solid piece and not easily removable.

My coach has a cavity under the dash that is accessible by removing the front aluminum panel on the front under the windshield, or from underneath behind the bumper area.  My generator is on a slide in the nose of the coach and extends straight out, but access to the wiper attachments is easier with it left in. Long arms help.

[David Ciotti]

On a related note:  I would like to replace the wiper arms on my 2002 Marquis.  The wiper blade on the passenger side doesn't hit the windshield on most of the bottom half.  I think the spring in the arm isn't strong enough anymore.

[Gene Obie]

These windshield wiper huggie springs worked well for me to put more pressure on the windshield.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JSY90O?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1

[David Ciotti]

I also purchased these devices and was disappointed that they were not spring steel.  When I installed them they lost tension and they do not fix my wiper problem.  Thanks for the input.