On 85% of vehicles, the starter motor is accessible. At the worst, it is a bit tricky to replace. The starter motor on the A-Class Mercedes is in a league of its own for difficulty. This 2001 A-Class was sitting in the workshop because the starter had failed. With the new unit ordered up and ready to fit, the job needed starting.

The Mercedes manual instructs us to drop the engine and gearbox out of the vehicle to replace the unit. Some of my colleagues I know, prefer to remove the inlet manifold and remove the starter from the top. My own method is to disconnect the back-engine mountings, allowing the rear of the engine and gearbox assembly to drop down. This gives limited access from below and does normally result in a few scratches.

This particular starter proved to be a bit harder than most I have done due to the extremely tight securing bolts.

You can download this story as a PDF, as well as other technical tips at TechTips.ie. There are lots more Tech Tips to view, and they are all searchable, on TechTips.ie.