Since the dealer wants about $500 just to replace the starter I bought the Haynes manual and called the local auto parts dealers.

Is there a difference between the $370 Nissan starter and the $130 rebuilt (with a lifetime warranty) starter from the local shop?

I'm by no means a mechanic but the process seems relatively simple. I just don't understand the 2 hours of labor the dealer is charging...

The dealer did mention that the new starter were designed differently for longevity and hinted that the older design was inherently flawed.

[Edited by RKS on 02-23-2001 at 08:38 AM]

 

If the older design was flawed might want to get them to replace it under warranty ?

BTW, what year is your Maxima ?

 

I have a 95 SE with almost 150K (just broken in . The dealer did check to see if I had it replaced and get it covered but I haven't had any problems until now.

 

A while back, my starter went out and I figured, why not spend 1/3 as much for a remanufactured starter with a lifetime warranty from Schuck's Auto Parts right? The only problem with the warranty is that you're going to be swapping out the reman starters every 6-12 months, as those aftermarket ones are crap. I even went to another auto parts store to get another "lifetime warranty starter" and I had the same recurring problem--just not very good quality. I don't know what it is, but those aftermarket starters aren't up to snuff--talk to some mechanics and they'll probably tell you the same about the non-Nissan starters. In retrospect, it seems like it's worth the extra cost to get a genuine Nissan starter (buy from a Nissan parts discounter of course, to save yourself 20-25%)--they might have tighter tolerances or what not than the aftermarket starters. The problem that I have with aftermarket starters is that they seem to grind the gears on my flywheel--once switched (and forked out more money for the OEM starter), the gear mashing was gone. Other people may have had better luck than I. Also, instead of paying for a new OEM starter, you might want to try a reman starter available from Nissan, and those may okay to try. Sometimes, going with OEM parts is the best that you can use for your car.

Also, don't pay the dealer 2 hrs for the job--it's relatively simple. Disconnect the batter, remove a few bolts, detach and switch the wiring harness, and then bolt up the new starter, and you're pretty much done.

 

how about buying one from a salvage yard?

 

Starters from discount auto parts stores are usually NISSAN starters that are rebuilt, that's why there is a core charge. If you call the Nissan dealer, I'll bet the starter he is selling is not new, it's rebuilt also.

The big difference is who's doing the rebuilding. A few years ago, I went through 4 Auto-Zone alternators in a month before I got a good one. You get pretty pissed, even if they are replaced for free. I now have my OEM starters and alternators rebuilt by a reputable auto electric repair shop. They are about 20% more than the cost of AutoZone crap, But I have never had to take anything back.

You may want to try NAPA, I've found the quality of their rebuilds somewere between the dealer's and Autozone/Pep Boys.

BTW, I think that the dealer's statement about fixing design flaws is pure BS.

 

I couldn't handle the grinding sound and got a cheap one. Those two bolts are some what of a ***** to reach and loosen.
I had absolutely no mechanical experience and still got it done in less time than the dealer was charging!
Hopefully mine is an exception to the horror stories you guys have experienced.
Thanks for the input .

 

They changed the started in 96 i belive with more gear teeth. I heard about this awhile back and did a starter on a 95 and ordered the starter from a 96 and it has 3-4? more gear teeth on it...i forget the number...