I recently removed the windshield wiper assembly (arms, motor, etc.) to inspect it because it was blowing a fuse every time I switched the wipers on.  I cleaned everything (the car was stationary for 3 years so things have rusted shut...rust in the motor seemed to be one of the things killing the fuses).  I reinstalled everything and the fuses aren't blowing anymore, but the wipers are getting stuck.  The spines are turning but it looks like the motor can't get the rubbery blades to budge.  Anyone had this problem before? What'd I break?

Thanks from me and from Lily, the hapless beetle that ended up in my garage!

(I'm David's daughter and I live in Germany right now but I can't wait to show off my finished beetle when I'm back in the US!)

Hi David and thanks for responding so quickly.  It's only a problem when the blades are in position on the windshield. If I put them so that they're up in the air they turn.  It seems like they're having trouble overcoming the resistance of the friction between the blades and the glass. Does that make sense?  Lily is a 71 (25k miles and has been in a barn outside of Nuremberg for most of that time! :-D )

Hi David and thanks for responding so quickly.  It's only a problem when the blades are in position on the windshield. If I put them so that they're up in the air they turn.  It seems like they're having trouble overcoming the resistance of the friction between the blades and the glass. Does that make sense?  Lily is a 71 (25k miles and has been in a barn outside of Nuremberg for most of that time! :-D )

I would still look at the wiper arm where they are tighten on the shaft. I' m guessing seeing how you are there and I'm here   You didn't tell me if you could move the arms back and forth with the wiper switch turned OFF.