Wiper linkage - rebuild or replace? Options

[mikehd]

Hi all,

Just joined today as I am in need of advice and direction on our '94 Celica ST's wiper issue.

Recently the wiper motor died. During the installation of the reman motor the plastic retainer bushing popped out of the end link and disappeared deep inside the cowling. I am in need of replacing that small piece of plastic but have found that Toyota doesn't sell it as a separate part. I can get a new linkage for ~$200 plus my install time but am hoping that someone has advice on locating a new equivalent retainer bushing. I searched to see if Dorman makes an aftermarket replacement but nothing specifically for our car. I found a Camry that had the wiper motor removed in a local pick a part yard and I bought the whole end link for $10. The bushing didn't survive the removal process. It was either highly embrittled by age or it might have helped if I had heated it a bit to get it a bit more flexible.

I could go and scrounge and find a 6g Celica and remove it's wiper linkage and replace it. Or I could buy a new one. If I can locate the bushings needed I would be fine with rebuilding my own or the replacement from a yard.

If I find just the bushing that holds the wiper motor arm to the linkage, can it be installed in the linkage without removing the entire assembly?

Does anyone have advice or a pointer to a linkage replacement procedure? I suspect that once the cowl covering is removed I'l be able to extract it from the driver's (left) side of the cowl. I peeked under the passenger side of the cowl (broke a clip) and noticed that there is no access on that side.

The rainy season is upon us here in Oregon (finally) and I need to get these wipers operational. Any advice and direction is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike