Thanks Bob. I modified your photo with a note to show where my issue is.
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4259795403_8641f73ecb_o.jpg)

It's opposite of the visible spring.

So yes, Neil, if you can get a photo of what's in there, that would be great.

Cheers.

Tim

On Sat, Jan 9, 2010 at 12:50 PM, Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@gmail.com> wrote:
> Not sure if this is waht you are discussing but here is a shot of the
> "front" (facing up, toward driver)
> side of a spare I have laying around.
> http://www.flickr.com/photos/syncronaut/4259735481/sizes/l/
> You can see the spring-loaded feature that controls the movement you discuss
> in your email.
> bob
>
> On Sat, Jan 9, 2010 at 1:27 PM, Tim King-syncrowesty <syncrowesty@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Folks --
>>
>> My wiper/washer switch/stalk kind of "exploded" when I was testing the
>> "pull-back to spray" function (in the dark) because the unit wasn't
>> attached to the steering shaft at the time. Tip: Don't do this!
>>
>> So, for those who have looked in between the two layers of the arm
>> where it rings the steering wheel shaft I have some questions: After
>> the explosion, I picked up and reinstalled the two horseshoe pieces of
>> metal that look like they run on tracks to control wiper speed (and
>> on/off). The unit now works intermittently (I have to jiggle it and it
>> sort of stays on). Is there supposed to be a little spring or
>> something else to hold the horseshoe things in place? They don't seem
>> to be making solid contact and I'm wondering if I lost a part along
>> the way.
>>
>> Nothing in Etka or Bentley of help. Worse case is that I go grab one
>> from the wreckers, but I'd rather avoid the trip and the expense if
>> someone has experience or has one handy (or if you have one in Seattle
>> I can come look at ;-)
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>>
>> (ps -- been offline for a long time. A combo of the van running
>> perfectly and me riding my bike everywhere. But it's ski season and I
>> gotta drive (and gotta have working wipers!) for that).
>> --
>> Tim King
>> Seattle WA
>> 87 Syncro Westy/ Suby 2.5
>
>

--
Tim King
Seattle WA
87 Syncro Westy/ Suby 2.5