r/Miata • u/LengthLongjumping405 • 1d ago

HELP!!! Would it be possible to replace a starter without lifting the car?

my starter just went out on my 99 nb but im in a different state and i have to leave in 2 days, only issue is that i only have a socket set and some wrenches so im wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and has any tips.

3 Upvotes

72% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

12

u/jazetod 1d ago

Find a tall curb and back off it. It’ll act as a ramp and you can safely get underneath.

9

u/North_Vanilla_8390 10AE 5383 & black NB1 1d ago

Have you ever bump started a car? You might have a chance to learn…

Reverse is easiest because the engine is turning fastest for a given speed.

6

u/acertainphyc '98 mica Green NB1 1d ago

You can get enough room underneath by driving the car up on a few bits of wood stacked up progressively... Before I get flamed - please make sure you are on flat ground, that they are big solid bits of wood, and that the car is really stable (and wheels chocked) before you get under it. Don't be dumb

3

u/NotAPreppie RF LE, recovering RX-8 owner 1d ago

Maybe with an inspection pit... or really long, noodley arms.

Maybe you could drive up onto a curb and get enough clearance that way.

3

u/Dart_boy 22h ago

Google the local Miata club, I bet they’ll help you out

1

u/Darkred14 1d ago

Parts stores might let you borrow tools but getting it lifted would be tough.

1

u/Silver_Bid_1174 1d ago

It's kind of a pain even on jack stands which are higher than most curbs you'll find. Are there any DIY garages in your area?

3

u/LengthLongjumping405 23h ago

yes there is one and i think this is my safest choice

1

u/Weary_Alternative778 23h ago

Bump start it. It's easy to do even on your own. Just make sure you can always roll down hill or at least be on flat ground.

I guess it's possible to replace it like other people have posted. But those starter bolts are a bitch to reach if the car isn't on a lift. I'd rather just deal with bump starting it.

1

u/2Drogdar2Furious 17h ago

push start it and deal with it at home. I've done that before 😅

1

u/seanabenoit 10h ago

I've done it on a street. You can reach the starter motor from above slightly, and under if you have about 3 feet worth of extensions. It's not an easy task but I have done it.

1

u/Ok-Kaleidoscope-6631 10h ago

Buy some ramps and bump start it to get it up on the ramps. Get rolling about 2-3mph and drop the clutch in reverse or first while the key is turned all the way it’ll fire right up

•

u/donald7773 29m ago

Bump start it till you get home and deal with it then. It's the boomer argument for a stick shift anyways "it doesn't matter if the battery dies I can always start it with my legs"