Starter hitting flywheel

[Black2012z71]

recently had my transmission replaced. My Tahoe started making a rattling noise when u would start it. Went under the vehicle and felt and sounded that it came from the transmission pan. Went back to the mechanic who did the transmission as it is still under warranty. After they inspected they stated that it was a starter spring hitting the flywheel. I was quoted $300 to get it fixed. Anybody have experience with this issue and what is the solution.

 

[Fless]

What did the quote say would be done to correct it? Replace starter?

 

[mikez71]

^thats the solution. Somewhat common in higher mileage starters.

 

[strutaeng]

I had that happen on my 06. It took me a while to figure it out, after removing the belt and exhaust manifolds. First impression was I had rod knock.

I finally crawled underneath and could see and hear the starter little gear not fully retracting and ridding on the flexplate. It was so loud i had to wear earmuffs, lol.

A new remanufactured starter and I "sent it..."

 

[DaveO9]

Happened to me when I first got my '13. It was most noticeable when idling on a slope (nose in the air) - the starter gear would fall into the flexplate and make one heck of a racket.

 

[Black2012z71]

Happened to me when I first got my '13. It was most noticeable when idling on a slope (nose in the air) - the starter gear would fall into the flexplate and make one heck of a racket.

Did you end up just changing the whole starter then?

 

[Black2012z71]

What did the quote say would be done to correct it? Replace starter?

Spoke over the phone with the mechanic and that was what he stated. someone else picked up my vehicle due to me being at work so I wasn’t able to ask in person.

 

[DaveO9]

Did you end up just changing the whole starter then?

Yep, I’m not sure how rebuildable these starters are, if at all.

 

[Black2012z71]

Yep, I’m not sure how rebuildable these starters are, if at all.

Changing it in the morning. Where did you purchase yours? I’m going with an autozone one as I can’t wait to replace it

 

[DaveO9]

Changing it in the morning. Where did you purchase yours? I’m going with an autozone one as I can’t wait to replace it

AC Delco unit on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/0hry2due

 

[rdezs]

It's very hit or miss with aftermarket starters... As with all rebuilt units. Brand new AC Delco is about the best you can do and have confidence in it.

If you're pressed for time, pick up one locally like that AutoZone you're talking about..... When your AC Delco one shows up, install it and return the AutoZone unit.

 

[EddieC]

Recently replaced mine. Odd noises, particularly with the truck's nose pointed up hill.
It turns out the gear was not retracting. I never did find a spring in there.
I swapped the whole thing out to say money on therapy!
Not particularly hard with the wheel and fender liner off except it's one of those things that seemed to be engineered to just fit through the tight space if turned, rotated, double pointed wrist, etc. I didn't seem to have enough room to get the wires on after mounting it so I had to unbolt it and move it to a location where wiring access was easier and reinstall it.
For such a big engine bay I have come across things that take some effort to replace. (Daytime running light bulbs are ridiculous and another just burned out!)

I used an aftermarket due to the oem double the price and it has been functional so far. It does crank a bit slower than the original but starts well enough.

Good luck. My suggestion would be Just replace the whole thing.

 

[houstontaylor]

I just replaced mine on my 2003 Tahoe with 370,000 miles. It was not retracting for a couple of seconds after the engine started and it turned out that the slightly longer crank time was due to a worn out starter. I thought my battery was wearing down prematurely. With the new starter it only cranks for a fraction of a second before starting. When I shook the old starter the rotating part was rattling seriously rattling around in there. It's amazing it was still working. I tried to do it myself on the ground entirely from beneath but there was too much trouble with the wires interfering with surrounding tubes, etc. both with removing and especially installing the new one. I finally took off the front wheel and fender liner, as recommended by some other videos, and that made it much easier to install the wires after physically installing the new starter.

 

[Black2012z71]

Recently replaced mine. Odd noises, particularly with the truck's nose pointed up hill.
It turns out the gear was not retracting. I never did find a spring in there.
I swapped the whole thing out to say money on therapy!
Not particularly hard with the wheel and fender liner off except it's one of those things that seemed to be engineered to just fit through the tight space if turned, rotated, double pointed wrist, etc. I didn't seem to have enough roof to get the wires on after mounting it so I had to unbolt it and move it to a location where wiring access was easier and reinstall it.
For such a big engine bay I have come across things that take some effort to replace. (Daytime running light bulbs are ridiculous and another just burned out!)

I used an aftermarket due to the oem double the price and it has been functional so far. It does crank a bit slower that the original but starts well enough.

Good luck. My suggestion would be Just replace the whole thing.

Yeah I ended up just replacing and it wasn’t too bad. Man do I hate replacing any headlight. Done it a couple times so I’ve “mastered” the processed.