So I was driving, went to pop her into 3rd gear. I could have sworn that i felt something give in the clutch and all of a sudden this loud grinding noise started. I kind of freaked out because I was in the middle of rush hour traffic(of course). But I did get it out of the road and in a parking lot. I was worried it had something to do with the clutch or clutch cable. Yet I still have tension in my clutch so it can't be the clutch cable. It'll also allow me to change gears. So I got it towed to the nearest and respectable shop. They told me it is the starter. But I'm confused because I was driving when it happened. I thought that the starter isn't doing much while the car is running. Now the car won't even turn over, it'll just grind the day away. If anyone could help me or give me some advice it would be greatly appreciated. As I do not want to replace anything that I absolutely do not need to replace. I'd much rather be spending my money on more important thing for my baby.

Thanks in advance.

 

There is no clutch cable, its a hydraulic clutch. If your starter wasnt aligned properly to the flywheel, its possible it didn't disengage properly after you started the car. That could cause the starter gear to break as you shifter and would cause your grinding noise. If that's the case, you may need a flywheel as well if any of the teeth on it broke.

 

starter housing snapped in two. good call, got rid of the grinding noise, but found a very loud whining noise. it's only when the clutch is disengaged. so i'm thinking i'm going to need a whole new clutch kit.

 

Check your transmission fluid level first. Mine starts to whine a bit when it gets low.

 

i appreciate the advice.. but i had some shrapnel fall out when the starter was removed. I don't think it was a part of the starter.