so monday it was pouring rain and i noticed while at speed the pass. wiper is no longer clearing the whole path and is actually sticking out from the windshield at an odd angle.

Stopped at T.Hill to check and the entire linkage feels sloppy vs. driver side.
The threaded arm the wiper bolts to which disappears under the cowl moves all around yet the wiper still moves with the driver side.

Anyone replaced this thing before?
Or better yet, even heard of this happening?

 

Yep, sounds exactly like what I have. The wiper arm is solidly screwed to the pivot, but it is the entire pivot that moves, below the plastic protector plate.

I am thinking that there is poor drainage and at least one of the screws has rusted out.

 

ha...actually all three of the nuts that hold the assy in place were missing! replaced, tighted and im good to go

 

Is there all there is to do is remove the plastic cover over the pivot, once the wiper arm is removed?

 

not sure i understand your question but to remove the plastic cowl (cover) there are a few plastic pop rivets (careful as they really fly out-i lost two). Once they're off you can pull the whole plastic cover off.
Start at one end and lift firmly as the rubber stripping has plastic clips that go sit inside it and clip into the metal frame of the car.
I stuck my fingers under the plastic, one on each side of the clip and thumb above it and gave a firm yank for each one.
Once its off you'll see the wiper assy and linkages-put together in reverse.