Pathfinder Grinding Upon Startup

[natebeckman]

I'm noticing odd noises almost each time I start my car. After starting, there's a loud, crunching grinding noise coming from the front of the hood (I've lifted the hood to listen for where it's coming from). This grinding lasts for anywhere between 5 seconds and 30 seconds, depending on how much I'm accelerating. The noise then goes away & I don't notice any other weird behavior. It's an automatic trans 2000 Pathfinder. Any ideas?

[elwesso]

Can you tell me where ti comes from? The rear of the engine bay or more toward the front? I may think the starter might not be retracting all the way.

[driverdriver]

grinding is usually caused by both the starter and flywheel. Usually the flywheel is missing some teeth.