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Starter scratching against flywheel

Tiny
YBJUAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
I shimmed the starter a couple months back and the scratching noise went away and a few weeks back it returned and I re-shimmed again, but the noise is still there.
Saturday, June 18th, 2022 AT 11:00 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the starter noise, is it loud enough to record and upload for me to hear? Also, when you shimmed it, did you replace the starter, too.

Let me know. If you can record and upload the sound, it will be helpful.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, June 19th, 2022 AT 11:14 PM
Tiny
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Yes, it's loud enough to hear. I'll record a video and send, and I tried to replace my starter but Orielly's auto parts said nothing was wrong with it.
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

The starter may be okay, and something different is happening. I'm hoping if I hear it, I can recognize it.

I will watch for your video.

Take care.

Joe
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Monday, June 20th, 2022 AT 10:36 PM
Tiny
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This is when I turn it on and leave it on idle and after I put it in reverse, and it sounds normal.
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I don't think that's the starter. I do hear it. It sounds like a bearing in one of the belt-driven pullies. But that wouldn't go away when you place it in gear.

By chance, have you checked under the hood to confirm where it is approximately coming from?

Joe
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
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I will check under the hood and I'll get under the truck to hear it better later today.
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 12:51 AM
Tiny
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Sounds good. Let me know what you find. I'm interested in knowing.

Joe
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Friday, June 24th, 2022 AT 7:44 PM
Tiny
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I'm still not 100% sure where the noise is coming from but I'm still searching. I definitely hear it coming for the lower portion of the truck.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 11:50 AM
Tiny
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I listened to your video again. I'm still not convinced it is the starter. When listening to the video again, I noticed the sound stopped at a certain point. Does it always do that?

And don't laugh. Go to the auto parts store and purchase an automotive stethoscope. They are inexpensive. Under $10.00. Then (carefully so you don't short the starter) place it against the starter and see if that is where the sound is coming from.

I attached a pic below from Amazon so you can see what I'm talking about.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
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When I put in gear it goes away, and I will buy the stethoscope soon and try to figure it out.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 9:36 PM
Tiny
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If it goes away when placed in gear, it's likely coming from the transmission. It could be related to the converter, so pay attention for the sound near the bell housing.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 10:38 PM
Tiny
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Okay, I couldn't wait, and I took a closer look and the flex plate (I think that's what it's called) is cracked and I think that's what's causing the noise. Let me know what you think.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 11:44 PM
Tiny
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Here's a video of the Flex plate and starter (which I see isn't the problem now) and you can see the cracks on the flex plate.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2022 AT 11:51 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Absolutely, if it is cracked and it appears it is, that's what you are hearing. Also, based on the video, it sounds loud in that area.

You will need to remove the transmission and torque converter to access the flex plate. I'm not sure if you have a 3-speed auto or 4-speed automatic transmission, so I attached the directions for replacing both below.

Additionally, pic 3 shows the torque specs for the things you will be working with.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, July 1st, 2022 AT 8:20 PM

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