Starter motor advice

[james_16v]

Went to go to work yesterday turned the key and all I got was the dash lights blinking at me.
Tried another couple of times and same thing, so popped the bonnet to investigate.
All seemed in order, so I gave the starter a quick tap and tried again and it fired into life.
The car started fine on the key all day and thought I had got away with it but this morning the same thing (again sorted with a knock on the starter).
I assume this means the starter is about to give up.
Moneys fairly tight at the moment so I was wondering if theres anyway I could pull it off and grease it up etc to eek out a bit more life from it.
If its a lost cause does anyone know what other cars I could harvest one from to fit a 16v.
Cheers

[Ben Lessani]

A cheap fix is to refurb it yourself. This is a real quick and crummy method of diagnosis.

If it clicks, then hums - the solenoid is probably fine, but the motor isn't.
If it groans from the offset - the solenoid needs replacing.

Remove the starter, then remove the solenoid +ve braided cable. Then remove the end cap (opposite end to the splined shaft), then remove the retaining circlip and washer. Undo the two long flathead screws from the end. Remove the back plate and you will be able to withdraw the springs + contacts. I think the guideline is a 8mm thick for the brushes. If they are thick enough, just clean up the brushes with some mild sandpaper (400 grit)
and clean up the armature too.

Then, replace the bellhousing bush with a new one.

All this should see you fit for another couple of years for about £5 for the bush and brushes and £15 for a solenoid.