Starter Motor???

[Swainey32]

Last few months after the car has been left over night and it's a cold night, when I first turn it on, I get a screetch for about 2-3 seconds, then all good, aircon is always on so thats not the issue.

Fairly sure this leaves the starter motor? Does this mean it's on the road to replacement or can I do some maintenance to keep it running for a while?

Thanks

[wai]

If it was the starter motor, then it would be screeching while you had the key in the start position. It could be the pre-engaged fork bearing, but these rarely fail. The same for the motor bearings.

If you have a manual, do you have the clutch pressed when starting? I know that some ECUs require the clutch to be pressed. If you can start the engine without pressing the clutch, try that. If there is no noise, then it is the clutch throw out bearing.

[buzuki]

could just be the drive belt?

[Umai Naa!!]

Possibly the secondary air pump, if it has one.

Does it sound like an elephant shrieking?

[JustCruisn]

Does it sound like a duck ?

Starter not disengaging quick enough and being spun up by the flywheel. I've had this issue since 2005. Rebuild of starter new grease etc only stops it for a short while.
Some suggest it is caused by clutch dust getting into the starter.

[Sirocco20348]

I have had great success with the rebuild of the starter motor.... 3 years on and its still going great with maybe 1 screech a year... its a real surprise when it does it... but then wont do it for AGES.

Would recommend you try this!

[dylan8]

Iv had the starter motor noise for 3-4 years now.
it comes and goes, people have varied results with rebuilding them. some fixing the issue for good, others for only a short period of time.

[waddz]

I’ve got the same problem atm and have been told the same thing as JustCruisn mentioned. that its dust collected in the start motor. Im going to give the rebuild a go and see how long it lasts.

[undisclos3d]

I have had the same problem since I've had the car. Its a bit embarrassing when starting up in public places haha. I've been meaning to rip it apart and to clean/rebuild it for years....

[Swainey32]

Ok thanks everyone
Anyone have links to a starter motor rebuild thread? Or even a how to remove guide just to save me some time ****ing around. Can't hurt pulling it out and giving it a clean.

[JustCruisn]

Try this VWVortex.com - DIY - Starter Motor Grind Fix and Starter Motor Replacement
It can be a bit tricky, but I've done it so many times now I think I'm down to about 1hour start to finish.
Make sure you have the radio code, you'll need it once the battery is back in.

[Sirocco20348]

^^^ Yep that is the one I followed.

But he says to lightly re-grease.. I actually heavily applied the synthetic grease to my starter motor gears/cogs. Seemed to work for me.