Starter removal and install

LYNNWOOD53

MEMBER
1996 INFINITI Q45
4.5L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

There is very little information on DIY repairs. I'm replacing my starter and it seems that we got ready to remove, bolts out etc. However, we are not sure what is the best way to actually get it out. It's loose from the bell housing, but is about one half inch bigger than the space available to remove it. We've read a lot of tips on how to remove it but could you tell me what you think is the best way? Does he have to raise the motor? Also heard you might be able to go through the fender well? Anyway it's been sitting in the driveway for over two weeks now and I need my car back on the road ASAP. Can you help me? Can't afford to put in the shop or I would of done that already. Please tell me what we should do next. Thank you.

Lynn Wood

2 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

In the directions from the vehicle manufacturer for the removal of the starter motor for your vehicle there are no special instructions on how to remove the starter motor. It says to just "remove it". But if things are tight, you can, and I've had to do this more than one time to get a component off of the motor, loosen a motor mount and jack the engine up a little bit on the side that the starter motor is on. To do this I always used a floor jack [any jack will work] and a piece of wood and jacked the engine up under the oil pan, closest to the side you are working on. This should afford you enough room to remove the starter. Please get back to us with how everything turns out, and I hope that this helps.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros