My car starts right up everytime I crank it. But right before it starts it makes a loud thud like a hammer hitting something. I dont remember my old fd sounding like this. Is my starter going bad? Should I just ignore it till it craps out or is this a symptom of something else?

 

maybe broken teeth on the flywheel or starter.

 

I don't think I've ever heard of a starter making a thumping sound like you discribed. Is it "clicking" or is it an acutual metal on metal thumping sound?

Starter is easy to get to, just remove the metal underbelly pan and it's right up against the tranny. Unbolt it and take it to an auto electric shop and have them bench test it and see where you are at. Most places will test it for free, and even if it needs rebuilt, it's usually pretty cheap and will last a long time (80-100k+ miles).

That would be the easiest route to take, and only involves jacking the car up a little and spending 5-10 minutes removing the starter. I think it's just two bolts and a grounding cable or something to remove.

 

I replaced the flywheel and starter not too long ago but i did put a used starter in. Wouldnt broken teeth make more of a nasty grinding noise? I busted a diff once and it sounded horrible.

I doubt anything internal to the starter could make a noise like what I am hearing. Its not like a clinging/clicking or grinding sound its a deep thud/clunk like two heavy things hitting eachother. Its almost like something is seized up and when i crank the car it gets knocked free.

 

does it shake at all after its running? or make a noise after its running?
how long ago did you do he install on that flywheel?

 

I did the instally probably 500-1000 miles ago. No it doesnt shake. The car runs very smoothly other than a hunting idle once in a while.

 

did you use a tork wrench on that flywheel? and clutch?

i would start with looking at the starter.
take it off then you can see the teeth on the flywheel.
get someone to turn the main bolt up front while you lay under it and look.

but if the starter was missing a tooth when you hit the key it would skip a beet and kinda thud, every time you crank.
if it was the flywheel you probley wouldnt be able to tell.
and it wouldnt do it every time you crank....

is it a manual or auto trans?

 

The more I think about it, the less I believe it is the starter. Usually it produces the clicking sound mentioned already, or if the bendix or whatever you call it is malfunctioning it will make a whirring sound, or high pitched whine sound because the flywheel stays engaged with the pinion gear.

 

the teeth on the starter.

clicking should be starter solenoid.

 

Yea I used a torque wrench on both. The car used to be auto but i changed it to manual. Ill check out the starter this weekend hopefully and post back after I have seen it. Thanks for the replies guys.

I just dont know what else it could be. Kind of hope thats it though.. Im sure it would be the easiest fix.