When I got my Octavia the starter motor used to hang on a bit after starting giving out that high pitched scream for a second (presumably the integral clutch overriding). I too it out and cleaned the pinion gear with some WD40 (no grease). I put it back and it was fine for about two weeks. Unfortunately the problem has come back but strangely only when the engine is cold, once warmed up all is OK, no screaming. The pinion gear did have a bit of wear on the end so I was wondering, is it possible to take the pinion off and put it back on the other way around? From memory there was a small cap on the end, is there a circlip or something underneath to allow it to come off or is it a long shaft through the motor?

 

Or, are there any other fixes, I've read about rubbing the pinion with a pencil or using powdered graphite (not sure where you get that from). Thanks, Normski

The squeal is usually caused by the bush at the end of the starter starting to "pick up" on the shaft when it is cold.

 

There were a couple of threads on here about a year to eighteen months ago that were quite detailed with a cure and part numbers.

 

You could try a search in this forum and also the how to guides, but if I find it I'll post it up.

Hi,

Mine started making the starter scream in about 2009, I noticed it would happen when the outside air temp fell below 10C.

I bought the bush off ebay to replace but its still in its plastic bag lol.

The part number is:- Bosch 1 000 390 004 (goes in the nose of the starter motor)

NB: And it still screams in winter

Peter

Edited 2 June, 201610 yr by Silver Bullet

I never had this issue with the original motor, but when that failed two years ago I bought a replacement from Euros.

 

Within 6 months, I had this problem you've described. It's quite common on VAG's, I often hear Golfs and Passats etc. making the same noise.

 

My solution was to remove and strip the motor. It's nowhere near as horrendous as it sounds, if you get it on the bench and take your time, taking a few pictures on the way as you disassemble, it's a very straightforward job. I reckon including removal and re-fitting, it was an hour or so.

 

The main shocker for me was how little grease there was inside the unit, no wonder it was slow to disengage and squeal. So, I packed everything inside - shaft (oo-er), gearpacks and solenoid lever mechanism with hight-temperature Molybdenum grease, of the type used in things like prop shaft Spicer joints.

 

Since then, no problems, and it whirrs much more quietly and faster than when it was new.

I agree that greasing will help a lot. Just dont use too much grease as it will spread everywhere. Here are my pics: http://diy-vag-20vt.blogspot.gr/2014/01/starter-maintenance-1-1-20-0-13-18-6-13.html

Just don't use too much grease as it will spread everywhere....

 

Agreed, which is why I pointed out the use of High Temperature Molybdenum grease...it's suited to high-load conditions, and won't melt and spread everywhere with engine block heat.

 

Normal yellow grease won't have the same properties.

Hey fellas, thanks for all your help on this one. I've had a look at the maintenance pictures and notes and, as said, if I take my time I should be ok. I will have a look on ebay for the bush, if I get it apart I might as well change the bush.

wonder if that back (bush ) bearing is oilite  or is that old hat