1956 Ford windshield wipers

Well, I tried lubricating the wiper motor by sucking the fluid through the vacuum hose going through the fire wall while working the wipers manually to no avail. When the wipers didn’t seem to improve after letting it set for about a day, I sucked in some more fluid. I know I got fluid into the pump because quite a bit leaked out the inlet port on the side of the motor. Thank goodness I still had a clear plastic tube attached (I originally was going to suck the fluid through that port) as it directed the fluid to the tarp making it easy to wipe up.

My wipers only go about half way up and stalls, then goes back down when I turn the knob off.

I doubt I will remove the motor to do more as it looks like a pain to disconnect everything and remove it (I just reinstalled the radio) and will likely be even harder to reattach everything. If I ever do decide to pull the motor I would likely replace it with an electric motor. But since I never drive it in the rain that is doubtful.
 
Removal wasn't too tough really. Detach the retainer spring holding the wiper arms on and they just slide off. Pull the vacuum hose off, remove two machine screws and then as it dangles you can reach the control cable which is held on with one screw.

But your choice. I understand not wanting to do it. It's not difficult but laying on the floor working under the dash is a pain. Definitely better to do it with the radio out.
 
I have done the brake fluid method with moderate success. I spoke with Friken Wiper Service, the only place I know of that has the NOS parts to repair these old Trico motors. He told me to use carefully disassemble the unit, being especially careful not to damage the top gasket. Use the axle grease to lubricate the flapper and reassemble. He cautioned against using brake fluid.
 
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