Starter Drive/Bendix: Testing and Inspection

Pinion/Clutch Check
1. Inspect pinion assembly teeth.
- Replace pinion assembly if teeth are worn or damaged. (Also check condition of ring gear teeth.)

2. Inspect planetary gears/planetary gear teeth.
- Replace planetary gears if teeth are worn or damaged. (Also check condition of pinion shaft/drive shaft gear teeth.)

3. Check to see if pinion assembly locks in one direction and rotates smoothly in the opposite direction.
- If it locks or rotates in both directions, or unusual resistance is evident, replace.