Anyone replace the brushes in your starter? I did a search but couldn't find a thread on this. What else should I check out while I am in there?

History - My starter was working fine but I am doing a complete restoration. The engine is pulled so I am cleaning, rebuilding, checking and replacing everything as needed. I figure after 40 years my original starter probably could use some TLC. I will probably just replace the solenoid unless there is some value to keeping the original one. What do you think?

Brushes, nose bushing, starter drive (get the 5-pawl verses the 4-pawl), turn down the armature, end plate, and a good cleaning.

Install brushes into the brush holder, place turned armature in drill after wrapping emery paper about the armature, rotate the armature to "match the fit" of the new brushes to the newly turned armature.

Daral, some of us used to change starter brushes like they were sparkplugs. And removing the copper dust inside is good too.

It's a good idea to mark the location of the rear plate and rotate it 180-deg. to equalize the wear on the bearing - or replace the plate if it's very worn - this helps prevent the armature from dragging on older units.

Daral, some of us used to change starter brushes like they were sparkplugs. And removing the copper dust inside is good too.
Yup :yes:
It's hard now to even find anyone locally that does rebuilds - the're all 'go to the shelf, get the box' guys :sad:

Put the armiture on a growler...checks the solder joints and stuff
Fine an old Auto sparky..not many new shops still have a growler

napa will have the brushes, but go to GM to get a good real delco solenoid and bendix drive.

In NZ we just head down to the local general auto parts, or an auto sparky shop and they have a kit, of the shelf
Bushes, bearings, solenoid stuff... everything...Its the same kit the rebuilders use.
And supprisingly cheap to

Thanks guys. Burshes at NAPA and solenoid and bendix drive from GM. I will check to see if anyone sells a rebuild kit, maybe GM has one. Sounds like I have a fun weekend ahead.

Naw, two hours max! Well, maybe not the first time.

Dont lube the bendex!!! assemble dry
A common mistake by those who have never made it lol

Don't forget leather washer on end plate. Check out condition of opposite end round snap ring and keeper and bearing.