First it sounded like someone put a piece of rebar in a wood chipper. I cut the engine and cranked it again, then it sounded like a garbage disposal being ran with nothing in it. After replacing theThe starter , there was no new crunching sound. I have no idea where the shield went on the starter, the pinion was completely separated from the starter.
It sounded exactly how it looks.
- Thread starter NickSonoma
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First it sounded like someone put a piece of rebar in a wood chipper. I cut the engine and cranked it again, then it sounded like a garbage disposal being ran with nothing in it. After replacing theThe starter , there was no new crunching sound. I have no idea where the shield went on the starter, the pinion was completely separated from the starter.
Eyedaho
SILVER Star
I wonder if you'd find any pieces if you look behind the lower inspection cover?
Yikes!!!!
Same thing happened to me on the original starter at about 230K. Thought it was the flexplate that grenaded or something in the bellhousing...turned out to be the starter. Toyota reman in its place and happy motoring restored.
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Yowsa!
You did well 
Any signs of this failing before hand? At around 230k I find myself wondering If I should start saving for fuel pump and starter or just wait until signs of failure.
It started making "tink tink" noises infrequently on startup for a few seconds or so and would disappear. Cyclical/rhythmical. It got worse over time.
I didn't see anything looking in the inspection window...so I went on a hunch and had the starter replaced. It didn't look as bad as the one above, but close.
OK good to know. I keep telling myself that there will be some signs of failure first and to stop fixing s*** that isn't broken lol
Thanks
