98 Concorde LXi Cranking noise

Hi,

Once in a while my 98 concorde LXi (3.2 L) would not start in the morning. No noise comming from the starter after I would turn the ignition on. It would eventually start on the 3rd of 4th attempt.
This morning when I turned the ignition on I heard a loud cranking noise when the engine started. I turned the ignition off and took the key out but the cranking noise did not stop. I opened the hood and the engine was vibrating. I turned the ignition on, the engine seemd to be running but the noise was still present. Shut off again and still heard the noise. It eventually stopped after 2-3 minutes. The next attempt to start the car was succesful. I drove the car around a couple of times today and it seems OK. The car has 135K, timing belt was chnged at ~100k, I had the battery cables chnged once (corrosion) and no other major issues. So far I did not put more than $800 on it on repairs and I am generally happy with it.
Any ideas about the above issue and eventually the costs involved.
The answer will be much appreciated.

Thanks,
F

maybe you have a cracked flywheel. or maybe you just lost the tip of your starter. Lift the car up and take your front cover of the front of the trans. maybye something will fall out. Or better yet take out your starter see what it looks like.