Does my car need a new starter? Can the one I have be repaired?

(2010-11-08 15:10:16)

1. Jonesattack Says: I have a 97 Toyota Tercel that has a problem starting. I am pretty sure it is the starter since I put in a new battery and new battery terminals..plus I can get it to start if I wack the starter with a wrench a few times. Autozone tested my electrical system and said the starter is getting the proper amount of power. Does this rule out that the solenoid could be the problem and mean the starter motor is definitely bad? Can the existing starter be repaired or does it have to be replaced?

2. nevadawizard56 Says: It used to be before the 80's you could take you starter down to the shop and have them rebuild it, now with so many different sizes of bushing, solenoid, starter drives and other pieces a shop just can not stock the parts needed, also when shop labor is $45.00 to $80.00 a hour it doesn't pay to try and rebuild starters, water pump or alternators on vehicles newer then the 1980's.
A new solenoid for your can run up to $70.00 while a rebuilt starter with solenoid may only be $20.00 more exchange.
It does sound like your starter needs new bushing or a starter drive and if your up to it you could try to repair but more often then not it is cheaper in the long run to just get a already rebuilt one from your local parts house, check around, some part house's charge a lot less then others. Call them and get a cost ahead a time.
Ex-NAPA manager 13 years, 40 years mechanic

3. HillClimber Says: Whacking the starter works when the solenoid is bad. Easy with the wrench - easy to crack. Wood next time. You get a new starter, solenoid and all. Nobody fixes them anymore, In the 50s and 60s, we would sit in piles of them and piece them together. Now they are all rebuilds with credit given for your old one to be recycled as another rebuild. Autozone just told you there was the right amount of juice going to the starter. In addition to turning the starter motor, that juice has to throw the pinion gear forward into the ring gear. If it's stuck, it's history - maybe. I still start my 72 Van on occasion by whacking the starter with a hammer handle.

4. kenbgray Says: You have a dead spot in the armature. It needs to be replaced. It can be repaired but it would be much cheaper to put a rebuilt one in.

5. tom m Says: If your banging on it to get it to start then i would say yes its the starter. you can either buy a rebuilt one or take yours in to get rebuilt