I was getting a strange noise from somewhere on the left side of the engine compartment. Sounded like it was coming from just in front of the brake pedal, but could have been anywhere...first indication was a gentle grinding noise evident while braking. Noise would start during braking, but would continue for a few seconds after brake was released. Interestingly I could not get the noise again unless I drove the car and braked again (even trying to race the engine, or strain the transmission against brake etc). Noise is independent of clutch or transmission, not speed dependent, not engine speed dependent. After replacing front struts (see previous post!) noise went away for a couple of weeks. Indy coud not identify noise even after inspecting front suspension etc. Second clue was that I could cause the noise by idling on a steep downslope with the brake engaged. Third clue is that I have noticed the terrible sound of the starter gear grinding for a second or so after releasing the key on a few occasions. Fourth clue is intermittent nature of the noise, which goes away for a while after I have been working on front drivetrain and suspension issues (previous post...)

So, my thought is that the starter solenoid is not retracting fully, letting the starter gear grind against the flywheel "lightly" when under braking forces or pointed downhill. Has anyone else experienced this and is there a fix? I don't really want to emote the starter just to inspect the solenoid. But I do have a parts car, so swapping starters could be an option.
BTW I think I have eliminated front drivetrain, suspension, transmission, clutch, and engine mounts as potential causes.

Thanks in advance!
Long live saabnet and 9000's

posted by 198.228.201...

• Starter solenoid not retracting?, Twins dad, Tue, 22 Jan 2013 22:01:54 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Starter solenoid not retracting?-follow up (long), Twinsdad, Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:23:20
    • ABS Issue, Bill Homer , Sun, 15 Dec 2013 09:14:40
  • Something is loose, DickT , Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:34:37
  • Re: Starter solenoid not retracting?, Twins Dad, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:25:46
    • Re: another thought..., Simon S, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 20:51:21
    • rock/screw rolling around in your bellhousing? nm, Simon S, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 17:29:28
    • Something that spins, dref, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:41:18
    • Re: Starter solenoid not retracting?, Montana Tom , Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:57:55
  • Not just Brake pads down to the metal?, dref, Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:47:00
  • The consistent part is brakes, Noel, Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:47:12
    • Agree: The consistent part is brakes, Bill Homer , Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:08:59
  • Re: Starter solenoid not retracting?, Simon S, Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:47:47
    • Re: Starter solenoid not retracting?, DanaH, Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:47:48
      • Re: Starter solenoid not retracting?, Simon S, Wed, 23 Jan 2013 08:12:50
        • A used starter is $20-$40, Noel, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:39:42
          • Re: A used starter is $20-$40, Simon S, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:00:39
            • Sure it's roulette, but starters are long lived., Noel, Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:08:05

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