I just put in a Duralast starter from Autozone. My car starts, but when it turns over the sound is a much higher pitch than before. I have an '04, MT if that matters. Was I supposed to lubricate the new starter? Does it sound "normal?" Thanks

 

Gotta say my '04 AT does not sound anything like that. No idea what it could be though, but I do agree that the sound isn't "normal" (maybe it is normal but not for what I'm used to hearing).

 

Thats the starter, it just has a higher pitch than the stock starter. I don't think you should have lubed the starter either, in any non-Honda starter I've ever replaced (6 or 7) I didn't. Where the starter engages the flywheel it would be lubed with oil.

 

IIRC duralast starters have a high pitch sound than OEM. I had to replace one on the company's vehicle and it had a high pitch sound when started.

 

I paid $189 with tax for this remanufactured starter at Autozone. I'm wondering if I should just return it and pay $226 for an OEM one. Acurapartsworld.com , which I found from a banner ad here on AZ has a brand new Mitsuba starter at that price. Has anyone bought parts from them before? A few local dealerships want $330+ for new starters

 

^Always go OEM! its worth the extra money and its design the rite way for your vehicle. My car has the same high pitch at start-up and I found out it has an aftermarket starter. I will be going OEM soon!

Can anyone post a video of how an OEM starter sounds like at start-up???

 

This sounds more typical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci2N0EjuCo8

Sooo...should I go OEM or just keep this remanufactured Duralast?

 

Hey your car is unique! But for $40 more OEM might be better?

 

Its the starter, just get the OEM one. If it bothers you, but if you wannna save 40$ dont change it.

 

Yea, no issue man, it is just a different system than what is standard.

 

as everyone said, its the starter. my mechanic told me the aftermarket one he could get was way cheaper then OEM and it would work just as well so I said alright go for it. after he installed it I started the car and was like "wtf?" that sounds so weird! but now I'm used to it and don't even notice.

 

Thanks everyone. I put in an order for a new OEM starter. I'll pick it up tomorrow and install on Thursday.

 

Sweeeeet. Put in the new starter tonight and it sounds as good as new!

 

Cust0mx - What part number did you get from acurapartsworld? I need a starter and I'm coming up with all sorts of different ones and none for the price you quoted. I am looking for a new one, can anyone help?