Thread: Lube for geared starter motor

My P38A starter groans a bit after the motor has started and the key is released. I suspect it's only the shaft bushes or the Bendix. It's a bit like this but not as bad (not mine):

http://www.fallastarmedia.com/vortex...arternoise.wav

I stripped it down to clean it and lube it today.

Has anyone got any recommendations for lubing the planetary gears (they are a geared starter). I also need to get some lube on the bushes and the Bendix gear.

Any suggestions? I thought the Bendix was lubed with graphite but mine's a bit oily.

Last edit: Sound file added above plus this link for a tutorial on fixing it. It looks to be much the same starter (the P38A starter is also a Bosch unit): http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2269482

Ron

Originally Posted by p38arover

......
Any suggestions? I thought the Bendix was lubed with graphite but mine's a bit oily......

Ron

Graphite only is the recommendation for inertia type engagement devices, but I will bet yours is a free wheel type, and hence the graphite advice is irrelevant.

The noise is probably from the free wheel device itself, and this is likely to be due to wear as well as lack of lubrication. Also, make sure the sprig that keeps it out of engagement is working properly, not broken or too weak.

John