Starter motor probs

[BadLux]

Sorry also posted it in the toyota thread but should be in here i reckon.

Hey all well the starter motor is playing up in my hzj80 series. it's done 320,000 so don't really blame it. When I turn the key it just makes a click noise, rock it back and forward or tap it with a hammer and it works fine.

So i'd say the contacts have just worn away, whats the best/cheapest option?

Autospark down the road said $250 to remove, service and refit, or $185 just to service it if I take it off and refit it myself

Or.. Should I just check the paper n try get a secondhand one for like $100 and throw that one in?

Also is it possible to learn how to service the starter motor myself?

Cheers

[-Scott-]

I'd say it's the brushes which are near the end of their life. A secondhand starter may be only a month or two off doing the same thing.

If you can strip, clean, replace the brushes and rebuild it yourself you'd be well in front of the quotes you have.

$185 sounds a little on the high side, but I suppose it depends on how thorough he is. I would hope that includes machining the commutator, and I suppose he would be including bearings/bushes too.

Super Cheap sell "reconditioned" exchange starters, with warranty. Check them for price too.

Good luck,

Scott

[chimpboy]

It's a pretty easy job to remove and refit it yourself, or at least it is on most cars.

As for the "service", I would want to know what he's doing for $185. You should be able to do new bearings and brushes yourself (probably all you need is brushes anyway) for a lot less.

Then again, if he is going to do a really thorough overhaul you can count on not needing to worry about your starter motor again for a decade or so.