[Vwdiesel] Possible starter problem

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

  Sounds kind of like a dry shaft or bearing on the starter or the starter 
drive
(Bendix).  You should be able to get to anything you need to by pulling the 
starter and maybe the back cover.  You can get to the drive once the starter 
is out. Clean the shaft it slides on and lube it very lightly,  Check the 
bushing 
the shaft fits into, in the tranny.  Make sure it's not egg shaped.  If it 
is, 
REPLACE IT!  If ok then a dab of grease there.  Work some wd-40 or a touch 
of ATF, or any other thin lube, into the inner parts of the bendix.  Usually 
you 
can work it in where the outer edge is rolled over the front or back.  Pull 
the back 
cover and put a dab of grease or oil on the rear bearing. I bellieve the 
brushes 
will be undisturbed as long as you keep the armature in place once you pull 
the 
back.  There is also a small bushing behind the bendix.  You might be able 
to get a drop or two of oil on it but if not, don't worry.  Most likely the 
noise 
is the bendix or front bushing anyway. : )
    Loren