I've found silicone spray better than dish soap. Work as much of the grommet's slot into the opening as you can, then use a small flat blade screwdriver in the slot to work the remainder into the hole. Not sure you can get the nozzle out without breaking it, but it has to come out to connect the hose, so you may need another one.  

This is discussed on The Samba: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=275225 

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 1:12 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: tips needed for grommet install

Hi listers,

        While waiting for my front washer pump to arrive I’ve been doing some work on the rear washer. 

I’ve replaced a broken hose from pump to sprayer. 

i’ve gotten all wires and hose into position and now face a problem. 

I purchased a replacement grommet for the hatch where the spraer hose and wiper motor wires go. 

I can’t for the life of me, even using dish soap get the ends of the grommet into place.  Has anyone successfully replaced one of these? 

All is in place but I can’t get the ends to match the holes in the van and hatch.  Is this some special string trick again? 

Next I can’t see how I’m going to get the new hose on the rear sprayer nozzle.  I don’t have a spare so need to be gentle? 

Is there a way to remove it so the hose can come through the hole then be placed on the sprayer nozzle?  
  Just don’t see how I can get my hand in there to fix it.

so, two things needed.

Tip for grommet install 
Tip for wiper Nozzle removal or trick to install hose while in place.

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia.