The covers you refer to are covering the shaft only correct? Or are you referring to the mechanism cover (large oval cover at the wiper base)? I had the same experience as ROAS when trying to lube the wiper gearing on my 88' 124, did not find any spring clips to release, just some hex screws on the bottom. I settled for lubing the shaft by removing the two shaft covers, but would really like to know how to properly open the base cover.

Happy Holidays!!

Ed C.