A few weeks ago I started hearing a ticking coming from the blower motor area (under the dash). This was a ticking at low speed and a hum at high fan speeds, almost sound like something was stuck on the blades making them off balance.

I thought it may just be a leaf or something, but over the last few days its gotten worse and sounds as if the bearing is going bad (even squalled at times).

I removed the glove box, but the blower motor seems to be mounted backwards. My repair manual gives little information about this, and the local repair shop said its going to be costly since he would have to pull the steering wheel and ALL of the dash loose, due to the backwards mounted motor.

Has anyone replaced or removed the blower motor, if so how big of a job is it. I have tried getting to it, but looks like its going to take a true dash removal to get to the blower.

1999 Dodge Dakota
Crew Cab
4x4
V-8