[DML] Re: Winshield washer pump access...what am I mi

[dswingle@xxxx]

> What am I doing wrong.
> 
> My windsheild washer pump burned out and am trying to access it for replacement.
> There are 6 or 8 small screws around the perimeter of the compartment that
> attach it to the underside of the car. Every screw I put a socket on just
> spins....doesn't come loose...doesn't tighten.
> 
> I've tried wd40, and penetrating oil...no luck. Any helpful hints?

I sure hope you have checked the fuses first, this is a lot of work to fix.
More #$%^# words to follow, I'm sure

The fun is just beginning. Your not going to like this, but what has happened
is that the screws have galled themsleves into the aluminum rivet-nuts that
are attached to the body, and are now spinning uselessly in the holes. The
only fix I have ever see for this is to grind the screw heads off with a
Dremel tool, then grind off the riv-nuts, and then replace them. My 
recollection is that several of the screws holding the washer tank cover in
place are behind it, so to get to them you get to remove the left front 
fender. Of course to do that you have to partially remove the front facia. To
do this you have to remove the hood. etc etc etc....

You may be better off with a squirt gun full of washer fluid until you have a
lot of spare time. 

The lesson from this is that ANY TIME you remove the screws from the riv-
nuts, anywhere on the car, put some anti-sieze compound on the threads. This
coommonly happens to the access panels in the front lugage compartment since
the back sides of the riv-nuts are exposed to weather. 


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