Starter Help

[pantheroc]

I have a 97 Contour with a grinding starter. The teeth on the flywheel look good, just a bit of chipping toward the starter drive gear.

The starter seems like it turns fine. My thoughts are the lubrication of the starter drive gear is bad and it doesn't fully move towards flywheel or back that easily (Thus causing the chipping of flywheel teeth edge. How easy should the starter drive gear supposed to slide back and fourth and is it supposed to go back to the position shown in the photo in a quick manner rather than slowly creeping back?

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/2/5/4/4/CIMG2076b.JPG

[RoyLPita]

The bendix is going bad. It is easier and cheaper to just replace it.

[fastblackmerc]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
What he said. The Bendix (why is it called that?) moves the gear forward to engage the flywheel. I'd just replace the entire starter motor.

[RoyLPita]

My late grandfather told me about it. This link may help too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_motor

[fastblackmerc]

So it was invented by Vinnie Bendix.... Always wanted to know that.... Thanks!