Grinding noise when starting engine.

The starter makes a grinding noise when starting. I started by replacing the starter. This did not correct the noise but allowed vehicle to start. It got to a point where it wouldn't start I have replaced the starter 3 times in 2 months due to them failing to grab the flywheel. I last replaced it about 2 weeks ago. And have since replaced the flywheel. It still makes the noise. I tried a shim since replacing the flywheel and it seems to have made the grinding worse and I do not believe it will grab enough to start the motor with the shim.

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has a manual

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there:

Improper alignment or installation of the starter can cause this grinding noise to occur. However, it’s also possible that internal components inside the starter, the starter relay or the flywheel teeth could also be the source. It’s really difficult to diagnose a noise without physically being there to inspect the vehicle on site, so you should have a mobile mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection, so they can pinpoint the issue and recommend the right repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Most likely, if it is true grinding that you hear, the problem is related to the starter. Causes include the starter not lining up correctly with the ring gear on the flywheel, missing or damaged gear teeth, or a faulty solenoid. Replacing the starter is most often the right solution.
A creaking sound when turning your steering wheel may be nothing more than a sign that your suspension system needs lubrication, but it may be a sign of something more serious, including tie rod damage, power steering rack damage, or a failing strut/shock.
If it is a very noisy rattle, it sounds like your starter gear is possibly hitting the flywheel. If you remove the starter again, check the end of the teeth for damage. If the starter teeth are hitting the flywheel, you might need to shim the starter.
Cold weather can exacerbate underlying car problems, so you may begin to hear squeaks, squeals and other funny noises you haven`t heard before. These noises may be caused by the engine belt, the serpentine belt, the air conditioning compressor or a power steering pump.
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. However, a starter can die without making any sound at all, or it may announce its impending death with whirring and grinding noise—so listen up!
A bad starter`s tell-tale noise is loud clicking. It can either have a fast tempo, click-click-click-click-click-click-click-click or a slower lilt of click, click, click, click. No other part makes these noises when they fail, so if you hear either, you`re likely going to be on the hook for a brand-new starter.
Damaged CV joint: The most common cause of a clicking or popping sound from the wheels is a broken CV joint. The CV joints, which stand for Constant Velocity, are essentially the wrists of your vehicle`s steering system.
The most common reasons a Ford Ranger has a rattling noise are the ball joints, struts or strut mount, or a problem with the sway bar links. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue.
If You Hear a Grinding Noise During Startup

In this case, you may need to remove one or more shims from the starter, depending on your application. If your starter motor doesn`t use shims, the pinion gear may have too much wear, and you will need to replace the starter.

A bad starter actually sounds quite a lot like a dead battery – you turn the key, and all you hear is a click. It might not be the entire starter, though – it could be a weak component known as the solenoid. It prevents the starter from creating the correct current to start your car.
The starter solenoid makes a rapid clicking sound. As a driver, you always need to remember that hearing any weird noise coming from your vehicle is not a good sign, whether it`s coming from the starter solenoid or other parts.
When the starter drive gear is worn out or not engaging properly, it will often produce a grinding noise. This is similar to the one that is heard if you start your engine and then accidentally action the ignition switch again. If the grinding symptom is ignored, it may also result in damage to the engine flywheel.
If you`re hearing grinding noises when turning, you should also check the condition of your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are situated between the axle and the wheel, and minimize friction, allowing for smooth movement while driving.
If you notice your car making a grinding sound when it accelerates, your issue is likely to do with your transmission, a problem with your differential, a bad wheel bearing, a damaged CV joint, or a worn engine/motor mount.
If the oil level is lower than recommended it can cause the engine to make a ticking noise. This is because the oil is not high enough to make it to the top. If the ticking goes away after the engine warms up there shouldn`t be a problem, but it if continues, take it to a mechanic.
It sounds like a light knocking or growling sound. Gear rattle is an audible noise transmitted from the impacts between the transmission gear teeth. A vehicle engine`s torsional vibrations (momentary angular acceleration) pass through a transmission causing the separation and resulting impact of the gear teeth.
Car starters can fail for several reasons, and age isn`t usually as critical a factor as overheating. Engine mechanical problems can overload the starter motor, leading to overheating. Oil leaks can cause overheating because the starter can`t cool off.
CAUSES OF FAULTY STARTERS: CAUSE OF FAILURE

Electrical connections faulty. Solenoid switch (engaging relay) stiff or faulty. Electric motor damaged electrically. Single-pinion gear, starter pinion or freewheel damaged.

Have the vehicle diagnosed – it could be the starter, a bad switch, or a wiring issue. Slow Cranking – A failing starter motor can often seem like a weak battery while turning over. If the engine sounds strained or slow to crank when you turn the key, but the battery is fine, the starter is probably on its way out.
When you have a bad starter solenoid, the starter motor won`t work. This means the engine won`t start when you turn on the starter switch or press the start button. However, if your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the engine could sometimes not crank because of the neutral safety switch.
A brand new car can drive off the lot without making much noise at all. It`s one of the best feelings when investing in a new car, as everything runs smoothly and feels like it can last for years and years. Unfortunately, as cars get older, they seemingly get louder as well.
Warm Start: Warm start refers to restarting the CPU without turning the power off, Program processing starts once again where Retentive data is retained.

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ANSWER : Hi there:

Improper alignment or installation of the starter can cause this grinding noise to occur. However, it’s also possible that internal components inside the starter, the starter relay or the flywheel teeth could also be the source. It’s really difficult to diagnose a noise without physically being there to inspect the vehicle on site, so you should have a mobile mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection, so they can pinpoint the issue and recommend the right repairs.

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