99 5vz-fe

Went out to start the vehicle the other day, and it would click, but wouldn't crank. Checked the battery, and starter relay, both were good. Decided its most likely the starter, so I ordered one from rockauto. The brand is Power Select.

I put it in today without any real issues. Made sure everything was connected and the bolts were real snug. Started it up and heard a loud grinding noise at the very end of the crank. Tried it a few more times, and the grinding noise happened every time, varying in intensity.

It doesn't tick or grind or make any noises after I release the key.

Is this something I should be concerned about? Will it go away eventually? Is the part faulty?

I was thinking I'd try and return it, and just replace the contacts/plunger in the old OEM starter. Do you think that'd fix my issue?

Thanks

Sounds like your new starter is either getting stuck out or isn't getting sucked back in all the way. You're probably better off trying to rebuild your OEM starter.

Rebuilt Denso is the way to go. Grinding sound most likely stuck bendix. [ the gear that spins up and meshes with the flywheel] . Need to get that starter out as soon as possible so you dont damage the flywheel.

Lots of problems with junk starters and alternators. Folks dont save money as you see what happens. :[



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Yeah BAD starter.

This is all you needed to keep your OEM stuff going for another Long stretch:

https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Lap-N...Toyota+4Runner


Luck and enjoy the Runner!

Before you jump to the Bad Starter there is a good chance its just the metal washer around the shaft is not seated and gets pushed forward when you start the car. It gets pushed into the flywheel and makes that awful sound.


Years back my 4runner started making that horrid sound when it started( but it started fine). I freaked thinking it was dieing and went down to napa and bought a replacement. I pulled everything out and notices that washer loose and not seated.

I think I am going to rebrush or rebuild my starters from now on.. I wish the alternator were as easy to rebuild as the starters seem to be.. :}

Aftermarket alternators and starters are junk for these trucks. You most likely just needed to replace your starter contacts. OEM denso starter is the only way to go if you want to replace the entire unit but usually the contacts just need to be replaced. Hardest part is getting the starter out, the contacts are a piece of cake.

Yeah agreed. Autozone "Duracrap" is total junk. I had to replace one in a pinch a few years back, got the life time warranty. So I swap mine out about once a year now cause they don't last, but they are free exchange. I have a 5 speed so easy on replacement, I can swap it out in about 20 minutes max, so no big deal. But ideally I want a Denso back in it. Denso everything is way to go.

Ordered the kid with the replacement contacts and plunger. Should be here today, I'll let you all know how it goes.

Thanks!

If it’s the contacts going out on the reman starter just buy a contact kit and rebuild it yourself. It’s still a Denso. If it’s a brand new starter it’s a Denso clone and most likely Denso repair parts fit it as well.


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