Author Topic: how hard is it to change the brushes on a starter for the mk3  (Read 1255 times)

Offline Jasikasisback

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i am very unlucky this week. both my vws have had problems. my golf wont start as the starter is worn. I got it going with a few taps but that may be the last?time that will work(i have not tried it again yet) the starter has been playing up now for some time. since it is for an automatic aam engine i will have trouble finding a cheap replacement. is it easy to rebuild as i think it just needs new brushes and does anyone know what kind of brushes it needs?
« Last Edit: 19 October 2013, 13:01 by Jasikasisback »

Offline gasketface

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Re: how hard is it to change the brushes on a starter for the mk3
« Reply #1 on: 19 October 2013, 14:07 »
iv'e done a few over the years but never a golf one although i doubt if it's that difficult.The hardest thing with all of them was getting the new brushes.If you do go ahead and have a little time spare it would be wise to get the comm skimmed but if you cannot do that then get some very fine wet and dry,fold a bit in half as wide as the comm and wrap it around the comm pinching it at both ends to keep it tightly against the comm.Then turn the whole rotor from the other end until the whole comm area is nice and clean.Then use a thin piece of plastic or wood (mc donalds coffee stirrer is ideal) and run it along each groove between the segments of the comm to get any dirt out.Do'nt use too much pressure when doing this as you can damage the insulation.Good luck.

Offline Jasikasisback

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Re: how hard is it to change the brushes on a starter for the mk3
« Reply #2 on: 19 October 2013, 14:25 »
I've given it a few knocks with the tyre iron and it has sprung back to life and started fine a few times in a row. I just hope it will last another month so I can get a cheap replacement.
Can anyone tell me if the solenoid is external on these starters??>(maybe all I will need to change))
« Last Edit: 20 October 2013, 23:59 by Jasikasisback »