Starter drive

[matempl]

What brand of starter drive should I use on my 96 gti? I have the oem starter in it but the drive is starting to kick Out after a few cranks.
Or should I just replace the starter and if so what brand should I use?

 

[artr]

Your best bet is to use an OEM starter. You should probably rebuild the starter you have. You can buy rebuild kits that have various parts but usually all you need from the kit is the new brushes. The bearing can be checked but is usually ok. You would clean up the old brush plate and carefully clean up the commutator. Clean and re-grease the bendix. Reassemble and bench test before installing. There is detailed information on the starter in the 96 shop manual. I thought the hardest part of the rebuild is removing the C-clip on the top of the assembly.

 

[matempl]

I don’t see any kits that include the drive, I can buy a drive separately but any suggestions on brand?

 

[artr]

If by drive you mean the bendix that pops out to engage the engine, I do not know if that is available separately as an oem part. If it is not staying out while the starter is cranking your battery may be low on capacity. Have it load tested at an auto supply store. If your taking your starter apart to replace that bendix you should replace the brushes and clean it up at the same time. Usually when the brushes wear down and the commutator is dirty the starter does not get all the current it needs to spin fast enough to keep the bendix engaged with the engine.