My starter is on its way out i think. When I start the car, It starts fine, and then Right after it starts it makes a slight, quick grinding noise. The same noise it would make if you turned the key to start the car when it was already started. So basically my theory is that the starter solenoid is sticking, and staying engaged a little too long after the car turns over, so the starting gear grinds a little bit... Think thats right?

And how much will a new starter run me? I'm assuming I can do it myself, I'm decently mechanically inclined, and my dad says if i need help he has done the starter on his blazer twice....


So in one simple question, how much is a new starter (where can i get one cheapest) and Can I do it myself? Thanks in advance Guys

 

it is not difficult to get to the thing

 

My starter made the same noise every morning for over a week. Eventually, I removed the starter and regreased the gears and solenoid. I also cleaned the brushes with electrical cleaner. No more noise for the last 7 days. This web site has pretty good instruction on how to do the job, http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/516

It is pretty easy. No need to remove the battery. Recommend a long breaker bar to remove the 17mm bolt on the starter. Mine took over 150 ft-lb to remove.

 

Pretty manageable job for the DIY-er.

Autozone has them pretty cheap (around $150) with a lifetime warranty.

 

I removed mine last week, cleaned and re-installed it. It was MUCH easier than I had thought because the starter is on the TOP of the tranny, not the side (back) like most other's.

In my case, when I hit the starter, it wouldn't jump out to the starter ring. The starter gear was stuck. I took it apart, cleaned it with spray brake cleaner and used a light oil, greased the gears and re-installed it. If you have a reasonable amount of mechanical ability, save yourself the $$ and try to fix it yourself.

Mike

 

Starter is very easy to replace if you dont get stuck with the bolts...i dont know how many lbs of torque mine took to get off--but it was just obsene. I had to end up borrowing an impact wrench cause my 4ft breaker bar/ socket wasnt cutting it at all. .




maybe i just have ....puney stick arms.