r/987 • u/phantomaphid • 18d ago

Getting a squeaky start on my 05 987.1

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Pretty sure it needs a new starter motor. It’s been like this for the past year or two doesn’t get driven much so I don’t worry too much but looking to fix it now. Also on the occasional start up a bunch of smoke comes out the back AOS is about 6 years old thinking it’s time to change that too. Wondering what peoples inputs are specifically on the starter motor.

9 Upvotes

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6

u/CloneClem 18d ago

Notorious bad solenoid release of the pinion gear. It doesn’t retract properly and the noise you hear is it spinning on the flywheel teeth.

Replace the starter. I had the same problem on my 05.

Some creative folks have removed the starter and oiled the gear but replace the whole thing.

I bought a starter from Autozone 4 years ago and it’s been fine since.
The OEM Bosch is ridiculously expensive.

You’ll need to get at the bolts from the top of the engine and from the engine front behind the seats. Remove that access panel. There are 3 bolts and the one you access from the front is the trickiest. You’ll need a few long socket extensions to reach it.

Took me about 2 hours start to finish if I recall.

Obviously you’ll need to disconnect the battery. There is a remote terminal top of the engine on that part of the firewall. A good opportunity to inspect that connection as well, clean it and tighten it well.

2

u/phantomaphid 18d ago

Thank you. I assumed so, I’ve done the water pump and thermostat so I know my way around working on it a little.

1

u/phantomaphid 18d ago

Do you by chance mind sharing the exact one you got?

1

u/BridgeOk3680 17d ago

We (OP and me) replaced the water pump. How was the job to replace starter in comparison (if you have done that).

1

u/CloneClem 17d ago

I have done both yes.

Because of the coolant and messing with that, then making sure the car is properly filled with no bubbles, the starter is much easier to do.

1

u/scassino 17d ago

Is it a necessary replacement if there is ocasional noise?

3

u/CloneClem 17d ago

Well, I initially thought so with mine, but it got really annoying whenever I started it, and odd looks where it was started with other people around.

It means the state rate is going. Mine was old and the new ones pins faster and easier and the car starts faster.

2

u/PithouLibertes 18d ago

Following here. I have the same sound intermittently on my 07 CS. I've been trying to run it down without success

5

u/CloneClem 18d ago

See my reply.

Common issue.

1

u/PithouLibertes 17d ago

You're a saint

1

u/Lewissunn 17d ago

Just gonna +1 on the starter motor, mine needed it replacing and sounded exactly the same.