Grinding Noise...?

[snowboard15]

My explorer has been making the grinding noise when i start my car, its been doing it for a while but now its gettin worse. You know the noise it makes when you try and start you car even though its runnning, well its that same grinding noise when im trying to start my car all the time now. Sometimes it will turn over...sometimes i have to try it a few times after hearing the noise before i can get it started. Im guessing i need a new starter but im not sure and i dont wanna buy one unless i know what it is. So if anyone could help me out i would really appreciate it. Its starting to become a real big problem. Thanks guys
-Jon

 

[Robb]

Yea, to me, it sounds like the starter bendix is sticking out too long.

If it were me, I would replace the starter ASAP. This can lead to damaged gears on the flywheel/flexplate (if not already). Replacing a starter is easy peasy, a flewplate isn't.

 

[snowboard15]

Cool, ive never done it before anyone know how to replace the starter...diagrams ect...and while im at it is there anything else i should do that will be easier...like replace the wiring to my battery? Thanks...need help ASAP cuz i need to fix this hopefully tommorow.

 

[snowboard15]

Fixed it...turned out the starter wasnt bad. I went under the car and saw the starter was just hanging there by a few thread on the top bolt. Somehow it came loose the bottom one was still attached. So i tightened everything up and works fine! DIdnt have to spend $100!!!

 

[Glacier991]

Congrats!!!!