The other day I went to start my 98 Nissan Maxima SE, 190K miles on it. I heard the starter motor spin but the engine did not turn over. The starter motor did not sound right.

I thoought perhaps the starter motor had worn out.

I removed the starter motor today and put it on my workbench and fired it with a battery and cables. It seems to work normally, the solenoid pushes the drive gear forward, but it sounds unhealthy as if something is worn.

(BTW these sure are small motors for such a big engine)

Does anyone know a lot about Maxima starter motors? The solenoid seems to be doing its job, but mevhanically something seems wrong.

I'm just curious before I go to R and r it.

Sounds like starter motor is gone. Mine gave me weak starts for about a month until one morning it started sounding awful like you describe. It died completely later that day.

Try tearing it apart and re-greasing the planetaries and bushings. Its been done many times on here and sometimes nets you better results that a reman.

I agree with asand...regrease the starter and you should be good for a decent amount of cranks

If the reduction gears look OK, inspect the brushes whilst the starter is apart. At 190k there may not be much brush material left. The brushes can be replaced. I found a new brush rack assembly at my local starter/alternator rebuilder for $25. Polish up the commutator while you are at it. Hope this helps.