Cpu cooler fan blades do not rotate freely to touch

VAIO Model SVT13125CDS (aka. SVT131A11L) was subjected to a fall of sufficient force to separate one of the lid hinges from the lid. (Fortunately, the screen was not broken and the hinge has been repaired.)

The unit runs correctly, except that the fan does not appear to run and the shuts down due to apparent overheating.

The running fan cannot really be observed with the unit open due to the interlocks. I can only note that a tissue near the exhaust port of the assembled unit did not move, so I assume the fan was not running in the fully assembled unit.

Upon disassembling the unit, I checked that all fan and thermistor connections were solid.

I then removed the fan/heat-pipe assembly and noted that the thermal past on the cpu was dry and obviously not making complete/proper contact with the heat-pipe.

Upon removing the fan asembly from the heat-pipe, I noted that the fan did not appear to rotate as freely as one might expect. In a brushless motor, I would have expected it to be very easy to rotate by blowing on it.

This sounds like the heat pipe/fan assembly was damaged by the shock of the fall.

Before I go further and buy a new fan, I would like to ask a few simple questions.

'''1. Am I correct that the Cpu cooler fan blades should rotate freely when blown upon? (Note: With unit removed from computer)

2. What thermal paste is recommended to be used in re-installation of the heat-pipe assembly?'''