Hello. I will get right to it. I pulled out my starter with the intention of replacing the contacts and plunger thingy. After removal, the piece that goes into the flywheel/trans(?) is loose, has bent washer(?) and visible bearings inside housing. Let me know if more photos are necessary.

I have basic, basic repair knowledge and would like to know if the parts I purchased should be returned and go to AutoZone and purchase a brand new starter.

She just rolled 230k miles on Tuesday and starter went kaput today, Saturday. I figured this was my first option, repair. Hopefully I am not f***ed with buying a new one.

Thanks for reading.

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Look for a local reman shop that will repair your starter.

You can order those parts but it’s not as easy as replacing the plunger and contacts.


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I've bought 5 starters for my SR5 150,000 miles 2005 V6. The OEM lasted 5 years. Rebuilt that AT TOP SHOP LASTED 1 YEAR.

GET A Quality BUILT FOR $120 AT AMAZON, AND IT COMES WITH A LIFETIME WARANTEEE.

https://www.amazon.com/Denso-280-034...Toyota+4Runner

Totally agree, I've gone the route of remand and off brands, just not the life of oem,not even close. Yes your going to pay a lot more at the dealership unfortunately worth it.

I own a company with 10+ semis, 8 forklifts skid steers loaders etc on starters it's always oem... not worth the savings when you consider machine down and the cost of labor to replace..

Just my Input

you can also get one from a junkyard replace the contacts.

Use OEM toyota starter. Aftermarket starters are garbage.

Try removing the starter you have and learn/practice how to fix. There is nothing much inside a starter other than few gear wheels. You may get an idea whats broken in your starter and may get to fix it.
A friend of mine (99 Prado) who had no clue whats inside removed it and greased the wheels and put it together and it is running good for few years now.

Good idea! Getting mine out was a great accomplishment, has reservations doing the job. Upon inspection the spindle deal had loose/bent washer holding bearings in. Tension was still there but looks like damage to that other than just replacing contacts and plunger thingy. Thanks for reply.

Got a good look how starters work and what is involved. Returning contacts and plunger, and bought a new one. My 4Runner is my daily so the need to get running was needed quickly. Thank you for the replies. Peace, ✌🌲🙏

Thanks. Got it done with a new one. I figured I could pull it off and repair contacts and what not but after seeing the condition and with my parts in hand, my daily needed to get fixed quick. Bought what my budget could afford.

Thanks for the reply ✌����

I only use remained Denso starters in all of my Toyotas. If its just contacts they are easy to change as we have threads and DIY videos to watch. Sadly, the 3rd gens starters are not the easiest starter to get out.

Rock Auto has them as well.

1998 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 3.4L V6 Starter Motor | RockAuto

My 4runner came with a Bosch starter when I bought it, has a label stating New not Remaned. It has been 5-6 years and no troubles yet. This might me an option for someone needing aftermarket if the price is OK.

Bosh is mostly better A/M.

I just have had too many problems to risk it with A/M. The original Denso starters an alternators mostly last between 160K to 200K then failure occurs. If a buy a used vehicle at even the slightest sign of failure The A/M is gone and replaced with a reman denso.

I really don't like doing things 3 times and that is what will happen. Well it always happened to me. When I switched to original OEM parts, I mostly only had to do things once. There almost always a major difference between OEM and A/M.

My time is more valuable to me then playing with A/M alternators and starters. However, if folks want to keep changing the alternators and starters that are complete junk from the chain autoparts stores. That is their choice. I quit using A/M about 20 years ago and was very pleased with the results of my choice. :-)

New Denso alternator also for me. Just bummed, can't find new Denso starters now. All Densos are rebuilt for 2000 v6.

I was just throwing the info out there.

I agree, I am an OEM fanatic but my 4runner came with the Bosch. If you have to choose aftermarket, it has been a good one.

Yes the PO at least choose a decent A/M and I would be grateful too.

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