1999 Ford Windstar, quick grinding noise, front end

BIGARTVAN

MEMBER
1999 FORD WINDSTAR
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
73,000 MILES

I have a 1999 ford windstar with 73k miles. Torque converter was replaced before I got it. (About ten thousand miles ago)
my van gets a quick grinding noise from the front end that lasts only a second. It only happens when I start the car and then drive about 100 feet. If I shift to park and then back to drive it wont do it. Only if the engine has been stopped and restarted (even if warmed up). Car does have abs. Its not a brake grinding noise (ive heard that)
the transmission doesnt slip, and shifts fine. Fluid was just changed. (Though not flushed as far as I know)- radiator was replaced a couple of thousand miles ago, but the noise started before then
id love some ideas before the expensive (and only) local mechanic starts digging around
thanks!

1 Reply

RIVERMIKERAT

MECHANIC
6,110 POSTS

It sounds like the starter bendix isn't fully disengaging properly leaving the starter gear somewhat in contact with the flexplate on the torque converter. Make sure the starter is properly mounted and torqued.

Head down to Autozone or similar and pick up some starter shims and install them between the starter and block. You could also try taking the starter out and having them test it, paying attention to the action of the starter gear. See if it retracts fully immediately.