Technical Suspect Starter motor?

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Technical Suspect Starter motor?

domll

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Can anyone confirm if the following problem is my starter motor:
First, my car is a 98 brava 1600 16V. Turned the key yesterday evening and the starter motor tried turning over slowly, then, i heard a bang from the engine bay, like a metallic bang and the starter stopped. Now when i turn the key the starter turns momentarily and slow as if the battery is dead, which i know is okay. I have noticed over the last few months that sometimes when i started the car it would turn over very slowly but then fire up so just thought the solenoid was a little sticky.
Would this noise have been the solenoid? tried removing it today but one of the three bolts holding it won't budge, may have to take it to the garage so don't want to be duped into clams of major failure's.
Any pointers would be great, thanks in advance.
 
It sounds like a starter failure, maybe it's given up and jammed against the flywheel/ starter ring. That could be why one bolt won't release, try pushing the car in 1st gear or hitting the starter /bolt with a hammer. Once the starter is out rotate the engine and look though the starter hole to see if the ring teeth are damaged.
 
Thanks for the quick reply.
One other question, i hear people mention changing the solenoid or changing the starter motor. Is it possible to replace each independently? or is it a 'all-in-one' unit.
 
Okay, well after following your advice the starter motor is off. Checked the teeth on the fly wheel and they seem ok, the starter motor is another matter, pictures attached of the damage. Also, did'nt have to jack up the car; bottom bolt i laid on the floor to remove and the rest done from the top, just in case someone else needs to change the motor at some point.
New one on order and should be with me Tuesday. will let you know how it ends.
many thanks for your support.
 

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I've just replaced the brushes and the brush holder and bushes in my starter,

Do not throw it out, the rotor +stator + brush holder+ bushes are probably still good and usable.

One question:
the original brushes were welded on to the starter's stator coils,
i didn't manage to weld them( should have used silvered brass), i just used tin to solder them on.
Do you think that might be a problem?
could the tin melt?
 
New (recon) fitted and starts like a dream, again easily fitted without jacking car up.
Couldn't keep the old one as it was part of the exchange to keep price down.

Sorry Aurick86, can't answer your question myself, not something i would have attempted.
 
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