Starter...Shims?

[Tallent89]

Hey everyone,

After an hour of trying to remove a worn starter, I was able to install the new one. The issue now is that it makes an unbearable loud grinding noise as if it's not catching on each first attempt; however, it has started on the second attempt perfectly each time since (about 6).

Any thoughts on a fix?

I saw some videos that may include shimming it which I still can't figure out with the current setup. Also, the stock alignment shim is still intact and I cannot find any manuals how it should look if it is out of place.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[Buzzman]

I took one look at that starter when mine went out, and took it straight to my local mechanic.
I picked up a rebuilt starter at a local parts store and had them install it.
Just crawling under the truck and seeing where it was and how much of a pain it was going to be to replace, convinced me to pay someone to do it.
Glad I did.
The guy that did it said it was a pain in the butt. He was not amused.

This doesn't answer your question directly, but it may convince you to have someone put it on a hoist and get underneath to get a good look.
Good luck.

[Tallent89]

Luckily I had stands to sit the truck up higher, and yes it was a pain in the ... but I guess I will have to take it down somewhere just in case :/
Maybe i'll attempt one more unplug and plug hoping it was misaligned.
I hope someone saves the day soon with an answer though

[AlanAZ]

The issue now is that it makes an unbearable loud grinding noise as if it's not catching on each first attempt; however, it has started on the second attempt perfectly each time since (about 6).

I saw some videos that may include shimming it which I still can't figure out with the current setup. Also, the stock alignment shim is still intact and I cannot find any manuals how it should look if it is out of place.

If it were a shimming issue, you would have the same grinding sound every time.

It sounds like a defective starter motor, where the pinion gear is not fully pushed out to engage the flywheel on the first try. I had the same issue with a rebuilt starter motor, but it only did this this once in a while, it too, would would work on a 2nd try -- I got a replacement under warranty, and no issues since. See my posts this thread: Starter Removal on R50 Pathfinder

[Tallent89]

Hey Alan, Thank you so much.
This sounds like the most reasonable (Hopeful) answer! Autozone is telling me its something else whereas a mechanic over the phone is saying the flywheel. I agree it could maybe somehow be the flywheel since I'm not familiar with these parts at all but I highly doubt since there were no noises before this issue had started; simply, the starter went out gradually.
I will also check your post out, this part has been such a pain for such a seemingly easy job

Again, thanks for clearing the shimming issue too.