Start up unusual noise...

[Marc]

Guys, first of all sorry to post a vague 'noise' question, but i have no idea how to describe it otherwise.

Ok, I just noticed recently when i start my car i hear a very unusual noise. It starts as soon as the car turns over and fires, lasts for about half a second. It's not an electrical noise, more of a mechanical noise. I believe the noise is coming from underneath me, not from the engine bay but i'm not 100% certain on this.

Checked all the belts and they seem fine and not loose.

Car is running and starting fine...

Gear box, driveshaft? Any ideas, anything to worry about?

Thanks as always for the help.

[Alspos]

Starter motor may not be disengaging quickly enough after starting.

[Marc]

Oh interesting, good call. Thanks Alspos.

Yeah I didn't think of that, as the noise is very different to the starter noises i've heard in the past from other cars.

It never made that sound before, that's why i was a little concerned...

Is this anything i should be concerned about or is this a sign i'll be needing a new starter soon? (if that of course is the problem ;)

[MitsuMadness]

Yep, I also agree, I reckon it could be related to the starter... basically if the starter gear from the starter motor is a bit dry on it's shaft, then when the engine starts, as the ring gear kicks out the starter gear, it can get 'bearing whirl' as it spins down from being kicked out. Sounds very unusual, and not like a normal starter noise. My JB does that. Easily fixed by taking out the starter, and putting some grease or appropriate 'stuff' on the shaft that the starter gear slides in and out along on the start motor.

Hopefully that's it, and hopefully that helps!! Bit of a hassle taking out the starter, but I reckon that'll be it.

[Marc]

Yes, that seems to be it...

I just got someone to crank it and I put my head right near the starter motor and the noise is definitely coming from there.

'bearing whirl' is exactly how you would describe it... almost like a faint drilling noise.

Thanks for the advice mate, much appreciated.

:D