I think it's my starter, but want to make sure
 

My starter has been making the typical "grinding" noises that are usually remedied by re-greasing. I haven't ever re-greased it but tonight I went to start the car, it cranked ONCE, and then the starter just spins. When I turn the key, It sounds like the starter motor is spinning (or trying to spin) but the car doesn't even attempt to crank.

My diagnosis is that the starter failed and I have to replace it. Anything else I should check (could it be something more serious?) before I go out tomorrow and buy a new one?

thanks

Yeah this can be serious. Your flywheel teeth are probably broken.

If you're lucky, its just a broken starter. If you're unlucky. I think it's likely that your old starter that you had to keep greasing actually grinded teeth off your flywheel.

Always replace your starter when its grinding. Never wait

My car is auto... could this still be the flywheel teeth? any way to make sure other than taking the starter off?

Thanks

Autos have flywheels too. When you take the starter off look at the gear sprocket. If its chipped or worn on the edge then you're probably screwed. I never took a starter off but you can probably see or feel the flywheel with your finger.

Sorry man. Save those pennies. If you are lucky your problem is just the starter. Changing the starter might make it better for a little while but its only a temporary fix if the flywheel teeth are damaged.

How big of a job is it to replace the flywheel if that is the case? Pull the tranny and replace the flywheel I would assume.

Any rough estinates of the cost I would be looking at (parts + rough labor?) thanks

I dont know. everything is expensive in CT. But yes. Pull the tranny and replace the flywheel. While you're in there get a new Rear main oil seal too.

My shop charges a flat $400 for removal and installation of the tranny. I guess it would be that plus 1 hour and parts for the flywheel install. They'll install a new starter too.

If your transmission needs a rebuild this would be an ideal time to do it.

IF your flywheel is bad. Make sure first.

The starters are known to go bad in our cars, just replace it your flywheel should be fine. The grinding is the bendix gear staying engauged, it's not damaging the flywheel so much as it's excessivly spinning the starter gears.