How to remove blower motor

The front blower motor on my 2002 Astro has started working only intermittantly. I'm assuming it needs to be replaced. When I look under the hood, it looks like a major operation to remove and replace it. In fact it looks almost like the right front fender would have to be removed. Is anyone up on the standard procedure for getting the blower out? Thanks very much.

2002 Astro.
In case anyone is interested, a gentleman by the name of Mark D. let me know that he performed this Blower motor replacement and it is necessary to cut off the rubber acoustic cover with a razer knife. This was as explained in the GM service manual. You have to remove the windshield and radiator reservoirs, and there is a groove in the rubber cover where the cut is made. His replacement blower included clips that are used to clip the cover back together.

Thanks for the clarification. Many GM vehicles have the pre-perforated sound/insulation shield which must be cut away to access the blower flange and hardware.