The starter drive, often called a Bendix, is a small pinion with a one-way clutch that transfers the starter motor’s rotation to the engine flywheel. The clutch also prevents the running engine from over-spinning the starter.
How does it work?
The solenoid fork pushes the drive along the armature shaft into the ring gear. Once the engine fires and the flywheel overruns the starter, the overrunning clutch freewheels; a return spring then retracts the pinion.
Failure signs
- Starter spins with a whine but the engine does not crank
- Grinding noise while cranking
- Metallic noise after the engine starts
- Intermittent engagement
AS-PL starter drives in many tooth counts and shaft sizes are available from Vural Otomotiv.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a starter grind?
Worn pinion or ring gear teeth, a sticky helix, a weak return spring or cranking while the engine is running.
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