Hi Guys,

Merry Christmas.

I've got a weird noise when I initially start my classic Impreza (MY00).

The sound I get is exactly the same as on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77lFczfL4WQ

Is it the starter motor? If so, is there anything I can do to repair the starter motor myself or do I need a new one?

Thanks for any help

Lee

 

It could be your belt slipping slightly, do you know when it was replaced last?

Tony

 

wow ... super fast response!

To be honest the car has done 88k miles now and I've had it since 54k and i've not changed any belts. I not 100% but I think the belts were changed just before i got the car. On last inspection they looked ok though.

 

It sounds like the starter motor to me and it sounds the same as other cars I've heard where it's sticking. Starter motors are cheap though.

Best tip is to get someone else start it while you stand over the engine so you can hear which part of the engine bay it's coming from.

 

I would get all the belts changed if you dont know when they were done, they may look ok but its a pain when they snap

Tony

 

Sound like the bearings on the starter motor are on their way out.

They can be stripped down, but the main bearings are usually sleave type brass bushings, so all you can do is polish and lube. You can press in replacements - but finding our where to get them from maybe an issue. Also the starter gear has a freewheel mechanism, and by the sounds of it, I think its this that may have dried out. Again an easy fix if you could get the parts to rebuild the motor. You can try soaking the freewheel mechanism in engine oil overnight, but there is no guarantee on how long it will stay quiet for.

 

Cheers guys... I'm going to take the starter motor out and tinker about with it after I've fitted a new radiator and brake discs/pads. Must be mad doing it in this weather

Will let you know if that cures the problem... for now

 

Hi Guys,

Just got the starter motor out of the car, should the shiny silver bit on the "cog" part cover more of it or does this look correct?

A link to the image is here.
http://www.imperov3.co.uk/27122010279.jpg


The "cog" bit seems to move up and down freely enough. I'm going to take this to bits now.

 

Try just cleaning all the clutch dust and crap out of the end and lightly oil the shaft. Re-fit and see how it goes. Done this on various cars and vans etc with good results.

 

Hi Guys,

I think i know what the problem is ... I think the ball bearing at the end of the shaft on the "end cap" end looks like it had broken to bits. Where it should have been was a couple of black bits of metal. Once I source a new ball bearing hopefully it will be fine. I'm sure i've got a spare mountain bike wheel somewhere

 

Yep.. no noises now from the starter motor.

I took it to bits, cleaned it all up. Re-Greased it and replaced the ball bearing that seemed to have fell to bits. Now all seems fine.

Thanks for the help guys, have a good new year