I have a 6n with a starter motor noise issue. When starting it turns the engine over fine, but makes a horrible grating noise (the sort of noise that attracts everyone in a car park!!!). A mechanic i use said it is an inexpensive bush inside the starter that has worn out and needs replacing. I've tried to get him to do it a couple of times but it's a small job, he's always very busy and isn't really local to me, so i thought i'd have a go - I have wheelstands and some enthusiam! i used to have a Beetle and took the starter off that loads of times.

Can anyone identify the part i am talking about? (as would like to get the part and do it all in one hit). And, am i right in thinking the starter is located at the rear of the engine?

I have a 6n with a starter motor noise issue. When starting it turns the engine over fine, but makes a horrible grating noise (the sort of noise that attracts everyone in a car park!!!). A mechanic i use said it is an inexpensive bush inside the starter that has worn out and needs replacing. I've tried to get him to do it a couple of times but it's a small job, he's always very busy and isn't really local to me, so i thought i'd have a go - I have wheelstands and some enthusiam! i used to have a Beetle and took the starter off that loads of times.

Can anyone identify the part i am talking about? (as would like to get the part and do it all in one hit). And, am i right in thinking the starter is located at the rear of the engine?

I think i've found the part here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Starter-Motor-BUSH-for-VW-Polo-75-01-/300948986482

Does this make sense that replacing this would resolve the problem? (it's deffo not a sticking starter)

To me that sounds like its just sticking, maybe try taking it apart and cleaning it first?

How are you sure its not sticking?

Do remember that there is also a bush in the bell housing, so IF it is bearing related, it could be either or both.

If you do replace these bushes, remember that they are made of sintered metal, meaning that they are porous - They should be soaked in engine oil for at least 24 hours before fitting them - There is an alternative, but I don't recommend it - that is to sit the new bush on your thumb, fill it with engine oil and apply pressure with your finger to (hopefully) push the oil into the pores!

To remove the starter, you need a universal joint, just about half way down your arm!!! If you don't have an arm like that, life is much easier if you take off the inlet manifold - but that's yet another job!

Regards.

Just took out cleaned n lubed my starter. No grinding now. But mines a 6n2.

To me that sounds like its just sticking, maybe try taking it apart and cleaning it first?

How are you sure its not sticking?

I don't, but the mechanic who identified the problem didn't think it was, also the noise doesn't continue once you release the ignition.

I'm a little confused.

What happens then?

Turn the key, start the engine, no noise?

Release key, then the noise?

Or does it make it when starting the engine? If so they it could be the teeth on the flywheel are worn/broken or possibly that bush as the starter motor isnt centered correctly and jittering about.

Starter is easy to remove, two of the bolts you access over the gearbox, one long one short, a third too which is short but there's a nut the other end.. Why, who knows.

Remember to disconnect the battery first., then pull a plug from the starter, then the other lead is held on by a 13mm nut . Easy.

But the starter is a reliable unit, only the trigger mechanism can get sticky over time. Taking the starter apart and cleaning this, then greasing it is the way forward but its a tricky job, you do have to have some idea of what you're doing.

If its the bush in the bell housing, that's a pig to change. Even bashing it out hydro style its hard to get to, I don't fancy that unless the gearbox is out.

Tip for removing inaccessible bushes etc: Use a tap to cut a thread in it and then pull it out - even easier if it is in a 'blind' hole - use a tap as above, remove the tap, put a ball bearing in the blind hole and jack the bush out by screwing a bolt into it to react against the ball bearing.

Warning: If the bottom of the blind hole is not substantial enough, using this method could damage the housing.

Regards.

^ good advice I was thinking you have to take box out, arnt starters cheap from the scrappy?

Starter is easy enough to get out in situ.

To make life easier for me i only put the 2 bolts that go through the gearbox in and leave the other one out haha

Sounds to me like yours is sticking, probably just needs a clean up ect

I'm a little confused.

What happens then?

Turn the key, start the engine, no noise?

Release key, then the noise?

Or does it make it when starting the engine? If so they it could be the teeth on the flywheel are worn/broken or possibly that bush as the starter motor isnt centered correctly and jittering about.

The more this is discussed here the more i'm thinking maybe you are right and it is just sticking, as i can start it with minimal noise by disengaging the ignition and hitting the gas just as the engine turns over. The noise always stops as you release the key. Maybe i'll see if i can upload a sound file.

It will make a noise if you keep it engaged by keeping the key in the starting position.

I had a suzuki sj which you could turn the key to start it at any time at ehich you get a crunchy graunchy noise.

As soon as the engine has started you should release the key.

Other than that. Whip the starter out if its not difficult.

You could try;

Getting someone to start the car and make the noise and you listen for it with the bonnet up. Maybe put a long screwdriver on the starter housing and the other end on your ear.

Looking through the inspection hole at the flywheel teeth. A camera can be useful for this.

Once the starter is out then test it with some jumpleads, both the solenoid and the motor..Google it if you dont know how, hard to type on my phone.