2004 intrepid starter makes grinding noise during start

[cdigrazio]

I have a 2004 Intrepid that makes a high pitched spinning/grinding noise during a normal start. This is intermittent, about once every two weeks. and happens on cold morings. I had the dealer replace the starter, and load check the battery. I also replaced the starter relay. Any ideas?

[A. Souphound]

Worn ring gear/teeth missing?

Alvin

[theFREAKnasty82]

that's very unusual for a ring gear to go bad on a car just barely a year old, although it has happened. I believe that you need to get shims put in place between the transmission and the starter. Sounds like when the bendix disengages, it's rubbing against the moving driveplate. Go back to your dealer and let them take a look at that, since it's an '04 and less than 36,000 miles, it's still under warranty.

[lennyr]

I have a 04 intrepid 2.7 with the same problem. Have not got it looked at yet. Started happening with the cold weather. Was going to replace the starter on mine. Please explain the shims?

[theFREAKnasty82]

Originally Posted by lennyr

Please explain the shims?

The shims are thin metal spacers used to do just that; add extra space or clearance between two moving parts. Shims come in different sizes and thickness. If you run into a situation where the starter bendix is rubbing against the driveplate right after start-up, that shim will give extra clearance to avoid the bendix and driveplate from clashing after the engine's been started up.