On my 2001 Fabia Estate I have a problem with the starter motor. It starts fine but makes a terrible noise when its finished starting. I have been told by a couple of people its not disengauging properly, which isn't gonna be an issue.

However it does drive me mad and can be really emmbarrasing the noise it makes. Is this a known of issue or does any one know of any easy and CHEAP fixes I can try myself. (Have access to mechaniclly minded people).

Its a 1.4 16v BTW, Thanks in advance, Joe

Sticking throw arm I would say, It's a pre-engaged starter. Pretty easy to remove strip down and clean.

What kind of noise is it.....a awful sounding grind....like you tried to put your car in a gear without putting the clutch down or a different noise.

What kind of noise is it.....a awful sounding grind....like you tried to put your car in a gear without putting the clutch down or a different noise.

Kinda. Its not like you lleft the clutch up when changing gear, more just a grinding noise as if a two bits of metal and scraping each other. Its quite low pitched and slow, unlike the gear thing which is generally higher pitched and more fast paced sounding.

Not a good description I know, I will try and get a recording of the sound some point tomorrow morning.

Edited 19 February, 200917 yr by TriggerFish

Right, that is a recording of the noise it makes. It did it on the 1st and 3rd attempts (intermitent issue). And yes, it is a petrol as stated above despite how it sounds!

It's a dry bearing, easy job to clean and put a spot of (silicon preferebly) grease on. It will prolly be the drive end bearing next to the bendix. Took me less than an hour to mine, didn't even take it off the car.

Cheers, that the sort of answer I wanted, something cheap, fast and easy!

You should be able to do it by leaving the starter cable connected and just drop the motor down slightly. If you disconnect the battery you will need to initialise the throttle motor and (I think) adapt the egr.

I'd persona;lly take the whole starter off....clean/grease inside and out..

Here is a diy I have done (this is a golf but once you got starter off the rest will be the same).....How to re & re the starter - TDIClub Forums

Thank you. Looks pretty useful. Will have to have a go at the weekend if its dry and my dad will help.

Will report back later.

I thought I posted the wrong link...lol...this one is a tiny bit better....

VWvortex Forums: DIY - Starter Motor Grind Fix and Starter Motor Replacement

Thanks, looks more usuable with the arrows etc.

Cheers!