Bosch -rebuilt starter
 

My Bosch rebuilt starter with 3000 miles and 9 months on it is acting up intermittantly. Its happened 4 or 5 times now where the solenoid does not fully engage the gear..hence some grinding. Looks like I'm still under warranty but is there something else ( electrical connection or starter alignment on the housing that would cause this? Not looking forward to doing the R&R. Thanks.

I recently had a problem with the starter (which I know to be healthy) not working. No grinding, it just was not working. Turns out the problem was at the 14-pin connector on the engine compartment fuse panel. I doubt that's your problem, though. I was only getting 3 volts at the solenoid. If your starter is working but not engaging properly, then I would think your starter does need to come out for inspection. It's not that difficult. Bear-hug the tranny, of course, and don't forget to disconnect the battery negative terminal!

Bosch's rebuild program out of Georgia has a rep for poor QC on their alt rebuilds. I'll see if I can dig up the article. IIRC, they describe how burnt wiring, missing parts, broken/worn components were discovered on randomly pulled units over a period of time.

That's disturbing.

Below is one article on the subject. Go to "The Aftermarket Giant"
http://www.idavette.net/hib/reman.html

I cannot quote here as they specifically state that permission is needed.

There was another article that I thought I posted here but can't find.

My comments are also derived from friends in the business who tell me it's not uncommon for Bosch reman units to crap out. Hopefully things have changed.

I don't know what's currently going on in the rebuild world, but I used to figure 1in5 to 1in8 rebuilt alt&starters are immediately or eventually ng No matter who rebuilt them. Currently I use and suggest a marine or big truck rebuilder. At least they are/should be using high quality bearings.

thx Rick for that info.