Post by
JedCoop »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/jedcoop-u11491.html
Thu Jun 09, 2005 6:36 pm
I thought I'd document how to replace the starter since I found sketchy instructions here and a blank spot in the FSM. It took me a little to figure out what tools to use, but once I figured it out the process is simple and quick. Once I had my new starter I put my starter back in and had the car buttoned up and GTG in less than an hour.
For those that don't want the step-by-step instructions, what you really want to know is shown in the picture - the tools used to get those hard to get to starter bolts.
List of Tools
* 1/4" drive ratchet with 10, 12, & 14 MM sockets & 2" - 3" extension
* 10 MM box wrench (for PS fluid tubing on rack)
* 1/2 drive ratchet (for upper starter bolt)
* 14 MM Stubby combo wrench
* 3/8" drive ratchet with 14 MM socket,* 3/8" drive universal joint extention, * two 6" straight extensions 3/8" drive. (or one 6" and two 3")
Procedure
* Disconnect battery
* Remove under pan from car. You need it off to access one of the bolts later.
* Remove PS fluid tubing from steering rack... the one that is near the starter. (This may not be necessary but I did it to make life easier).Note that fluid will leak and leak from the tube. plug it with a rubber stopper or ear plug, or just allow it to drain into a containter for disposal. Or empty the PS fluid before starting the job. And be sure to keep the inlet to the rack clean and covered too (another hearing protector is perfect!).
* Remove heat shield for steering rack - two 10 MM bolts
* Disconnect slenoid wire connector.
* Using a 12 MM socket on 1/4" drive, disconnect battery connection to solenoid. You'll need to remove the rubber cover first.
* Completely disconnect the battery wire - so that they are not touching, the the cable from the battery is free to move around.
* Loosen upper starter bolt using a stubby 14 MM combo wrench. To get enough leverage in the weird space, put the square drive of the 1/2" drive ratchet into the cresent side of the stubby combo. Once loose you might use the 1/4" drive set to get the bolt further out more quickly. Remove the bolt.
* Loosen the lower starter bolt. To do this snake the 3/8" drive extensions from in front of the cross member, over the cross memeber, and through to the starter. You might have to tussle with the cables to get it through.
* Once the extention is at the bolt, just crank it off.
* As long as you have an OEM starter I expect that the starter will come out easily. If you have a starter like the reman I pictured above, then you'll need to be creative - rumor has it that you need to jack up the engine.
* Reverse the process to install. Remember to top off the PS fluid before you start the car!
Nice! - no nightmares or band-aids on this repair if you have the right (common) tools. I had to go out and buy the stubby 14MM once I figured out what I needed.