my electric fan doesn't run. checking it, it was very hard to turn. once pulled out, it turns freely and connected to battery it runs. The problem is when it's bolted in, the fan rubs on it's own plastic support frame. Is there a way to get it aligned properly so it spins freely or am i better off just buying a new one? my car: 88 firebird V6 manual.

Is this a new problem that started out of nowhere ?

Doe the fan appear twisted/warped when removed from the car ?

It sounds as though the attaching points might be bent. As in, the car may have had a minor front end unjury and the metal isn't quite straight. When you bolt the fan in, it's enough to cause the fan to twist enough to cause it to bind.

That of couse, is a wild guess.

i've only had the car a short time, so no idea on repairs, etc. i tried putting some spacers at the top, but it didn't make any difference.