Don't Look Back

Hey guys, the starter on my 95 Z took a crap today, so I am replacing it. I've already gotten under the car and try tapping on it with a hammer to get the car to start in order to get it to my cousin's shop with no luck. Therefore, I have no access to a lift. My question is, how hard is it to replace the starter on our cars? Is there anything that complicates it such as placement of other parts, etc.? And finally, can I replace it by jacking it up in my driveway? I've done starters before, just never on an F-Body, so I don't know what to expect.

Thanks, Keith

madwolf

I've replaced mine... well, actually had to drill out a broken starter bolt too... long story. But from what I've seen, you will need to drop your y-pipe.... Then it's easy and yes, you can do it in the driveway.

PPcc

I hope it is this easy, my starter also went south on me. There goes my weekend..

madwolf

The hardest part will be dropping the y-pipe. If your bolts are really rusty and you brake them, you might need another weekend.
I'd spray them with some PB Blaster prior to removal. Some heat might help too.

JoeliusZ28

I just changed the starter on my '95 Z and it slipped right by the Y-Pipe....

madwolf

Hmm... I didn't have to change it on my '95 M6, but on my '93 A4, I couldn't take it out without dropping the y-pipe...

JoeliusZ28

...I can see where the a4 would make a difference

I guess just try going around it b4 you rip it out

Don't Look Back

Alright, thanks for the replies guys. I'll try to do it without dropping the pipe. Worse comes to worse I'll drop the pipe.

TedH

Be grateful you don't have a tranny cooler. I had to drop mine to replace the starter. It was quite messy.

Bud M

If you need to drop the y pipe (I would) hit the bolts with PB Blaster first. Otherwise it is a straightforward job, no big deal.

Don't Look Back

Alright, so assuming all of the bolts come undone, is it relatively easy to drop the Y-pipe?

madwolf

Yea... just remove.
Really, you probably won't even need to take it out completely. Once you take out the bolts, you can loosen the cat bolts and that should give you enough room.

Van5150

I have the A4 and replaced my starter withouth removing the Y-pipe or tranny cooler lines. You do want to move/bend the lines out of the way. And the position the starter will eventually slide out is after you unbolt it, turn the starter straight up, with the starter gear at the top, and pull it through the bottom. You have to roatate it a bit,and once you do it once, you will never forget.