how do I access the wiper assy? 73 dart

[missing linc]

I ordered a whole new wiper arm transmission assembly because one of the last mechanics I asked to work on the car wrecked mine and threw it on the floor and left. I'm a petite lady so I'm hoping I won't need to remove the seats (!!!) but can anyone tell me how to drop the steering column and is it fairly easy to do? I'm nervous to do this job on my own but when I see what a bunch of chimps the mechanics I've met are - it's well worth a try. Everyone's comments here on this thread are helpful so many thanks to all!

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Remove the plastic cover under the column first, 4 screws should do it, then on either side of the column there is a 7/16 or 1/2 nut, removing those will allow you to drop the column down some for room to work.

 

[cudamark]

I ordered a whole new wiper arm transmission assembly because one of the last mechanics I asked to work on the car wrecked mine and threw it on the floor and left. I'm a petite lady so I'm hoping I won't need to remove the seats (!!!) but can anyone tell me how to drop the steering column and is it fairly easy to do? I'm nervous to do this job on my own but when I see what a bunch of chimps the mechanics I've met are - it's well worth a try. Everyone's comments here on this thread are helpful so many thanks to all!

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What year and model do you have? A/C?

 

[str12-340]

I'm a petite lady so I'm hoping I won't need to remove the seats (!!!)

I would try it without dropping the column first. From that side you are looking to release the bushing at the end of the arm that goes to the pivot right in front of the driver. I would try removing the glove box and glove box door and see if you can get to the bushing for the other pivot through there, then the nut on the wiper motor/transmission. If you can get it loose, try to extract it folded up through the glove box. If not you may have to pop the bushings that hold the arms together to take them out individually

 

[cudamark]

Those bushings can break if you try taking the transmission apart. Leave it complete even if you have to pull the column, glove box insert, and instrument cluster. I would recommend doing all three. It's a good time to get everything working on the cluster. New bulbs, and maybe new bulb holders is a very good idea at that point. Just remember the disconnect the battery before you start.

 

[RViolet]

What year and model do you have? A/C?

Hi - I have a 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 318 with no AC.

 

[RViolet]

Those bushings can break if you try taking the transmission apart. Leave it complete even if you have to pull the column, glove box insert, and instrument cluster. I would recommend doing all three. It's a good time to get everything working on the cluster. New bulbs, and maybe new bulb holders is a very good idea at that point. Just remember the disconnect the battery before you start.

Yeah, I need to get at the cluster - the directional indicator lights stopped working as did the general cluster illumination. I think this may have something to do with the jerk mechanic who broke the wiper mechanism to begin with. Also, the fuel gauge doesn't work - but I think that's a whole new thread and probably not a bad connection at cluster - possibly fuel sending unit or a connection in the back. Wish I had a heated garage to work in. lol

 

[missing linc]

I will add one more tip that I find very helpful is to remove the steering wheel. It may not be an issue for you as you mentioned above that you are a petite woman, but for me at 6 ft 7 in and 275 pounds I appreciate all the room I can get.

 

[cudamark]

Hi - I have a 1973 Dodge Dart Sport 318 with no AC.

Hopefully, you got the correct transmission. There are both 2 speed and 3 speed versions that year, and they don't interchange without converting everything from one to the other.