Starter Drive/Bendix: Testing and Inspection

Starter Motor Drive Gear and Flywheel Ring Gear Inspection

1. Remove the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor - 4.0L SOHC Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 4.6L (3V) Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 5.4L (4V) Service and Repair.

2. Check the wear patterns on the starter drive gear and the flywheel/flexplate ring gear. If the wear pattern is normal, install the starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor - 4.0L SOHC Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 4.6L (3V) Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 5.4L (4V) Service and Repair.





3. If the starter drive gear and the flywheel/flexplate ring gear are not fully meshing and both of the gears are scored or damaged, install a new starter motor. For additional information, refer to Starter Motor - 4.0L SOHC Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 4.6L (3V) Service and Repair or Starter Motor - 5.4L (4V) Service and Repair.
If necessary, install a new flywheel/flexplate. For additional information, refer to Engine.