Starter Parts
Each car starter part plays a vital role in reliable engine ignition. Regular inspection and maintenance of components like the solenoid, brushes, and Bendix drive can extend your starter’s lifespan and improve vehicle performance.
Starter Motor Housing
The starter motor housing (or body) protects internal components like the armature, brushes, and field coils. It’s usually made of high-strength aluminum or steel to handle engine vibrations and heat.
Commutator
The commutator transfers electrical current from the brushes to the armature windings, ensuring smooth and continuous rotation. Worn or dirty commutators can cause starter failure.
Bendix Drive (Starter Drive Gear)
The Bendix drive or starter pinion gear engages the flywheel to crank the engine. Once the engine starts, it automatically disengages to prevent damage.
Armature
The armature is the rotating core of the starter motor. When electricity flows through it, it creates a magnetic field that spins the shaft and engages the flywheel.
Brushes
The starter brushes are made of carbon and maintain electrical contact with the commutator. Over time, they wear down, causing weak starts or intermittent starting issues.
Flywheel Engagement Mechanism
This mechanism connects the starter pinion gear to the engine flywheel. It ensures the engine cranks at the correct speed to start smoothly.
Field Coils or Permanent Magnets
Older starters use field coils, while modern types use permanent magnets to create magnetic force. This component helps generate the torque needed to crank the engine.
Solenoid
The starter solenoid acts as a high-current relay that connects the battery to the starter motor. When you turn the key, the solenoid activates and pushes the starter gear into the flywheel.
Return Spring
The return spring helps retract the pinion gear from the flywheel once the engine starts, preventing grinding and wear.
