Broken Starter Bendix?

[Matno]

My 1995 SL1 has a starter problem (currently at 110k miles). I think the bendix gear is not working, but let me know if I'm wrong...

As of a couple of weeks ago, the starter does not engage consistently. It always spins, but sometimes I have to turn the key 2 or 3 times before it engages the engine. At the same time it started doing that, it started making a rattling noise that I can best describe as similar to the rattling ball in an aerosol paint can. However, it only makes the noise when I turn to the right (faster turn = louder noise). I assume that this is probably the result of the bendix in my starter being "loose," which makes the teeth sometimes not engage when they're supposed to, and other times engage when they're not supposed to.

If that's really what's going on, I'd rather spend $40 for a new starter (from DB Electric) and an hour of my time to install it than $250 in the shop to do the same thing. (I already watched the how-to on YouTube, and it doesn't look too hard). Can somebody please verify (or dispute) my diagnosis?

Thanks.

[fdryer]

Replace the starter and be done with it. Some go early, others last almost forever. If you don't have to turn in the old starter for the core charge, take it apart sometime. Its most likely a worn Bendix gear (a one-way bearing).