Is it hard to replace the starter?

[CareyPJ]

Is it hard to replace the starter?
The instructions seem pretty straightforward.

Any good sources for a new/remanufactured starter, 89017844?

STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
3. Remove the rear steering gear crossmember.
4. Remove the wire harness from the wire harness retaining clips on the transmission oil cooler line bracket.
5. Remove the transmission oil cooler line bracket bolt.
6. Remove the right transmission cover bolt.
7. Remove the starter bolts.
8. Move the starter toward the front of the vehicle, and remove the transmission cover.
9. Remove the starter solenoid heat shield.
10. Tilt and rotate the starter in order to pass the starter between the transmission oil cooler lines and the engine oil pan.
11. Remove the starter solenoid nut (2).
12. Remove the starter lead (1) from the solenoid stud.
13. Remove the battery positive cable nut (2).
14. Remove the battery positive cable (1) from the starter solenoid.
15. Finish removing the starter from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
1. Begin installing the starter between the transmission oil cooler lines and the engine oil pan.
2. Install the battery positive cable (1) to the starter stud. NOTE : Refer to Fastener Notice.
3. Install the battery positive cable nut (2). Tighten the nut to 9 N.m (80 lb in) .
4. Install the starter solenoid lead (1) to the solenoid stud.
5. Install the starter solenoid nut (2). Tighten the nut to 3.4 N.m (30 lb in) .
6. Install the starter solenoid heat shield.
7. Slide the starter toward the front of the vehicle.Position the transmission cover to the transmission.
8. Position the starter to the engine
9. Install the starter bolts. Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft) .
10. Install the right transmission cover bolt. Tighten the bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in) .
11. Install the transmission oil cooler line bracket bolt. Tighten the bolt to 9 N.m (80 lb in) .
12. Attach the wire harness to the wire harness retaining clips on the transmission oil cooler line bracket.
13. Install the rear steering gear crossmember.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Connect the negative battery cable.

[Warwagon]

If you have to ask...
Only thing hard is clearance. Now a diesel starter that crushes your hand on the frame because they are so heavy is ‘hard’.

Get a starter from the GM dealer. Really, aftermarket lifetime warranty isn’t any good if you keep taking it in and out. Some people on here can get you a parts discount.

[Rat Raceway]

I have done it now about 25+ times... VERY EASY! 2 bolts.

[DBTBSS]

Originally Posted by Rat Raceway

I have done it now about 25+ times... VERY EASY! 2 bolts.

+1 That ain't no joke... think I could do it in my sleep now.

Tip: When re-installing starter put the plastic cover over starter first, then position starter into place and tighten starter bolts then position plastic cover and tighten screws... yup, I forgot the plastic cover first... only took me one time to remember again lol. 8mm shorty gearwrench for the cover bolts/screws and a lift FTW!!

[tatsss]

Dealer wanted $800+, Napa starter was $230+ my time, well worth it, took some jockeying to get it in and out, Goodluck!!!

I don't remember removing any crossmember. Is that for AWD?

[Another Black SS]

Im attempting to replace my starter, I have no plastic cover that they speak of, or a heat shield

[ssprince]

Originally Posted by CareyPJ

Is it hard to replace the starter?

Try doing it with headers!

[Another Black SS]

Got my starter out today, clearance was the biggest problem but it isnt a bad job at all. Just make sure you unbolt the crossmember brace or whatever its called so you can actually take the starter out. Ill take some pics when I put the new one back in.

[GRCYGTR]

Any special tools needed for this? Have a starter waiting for me and I plan on doing this tonight/tomorrow...how much time should I set aside? Thanks in advance.

[bonjosco3SS]

Changed mine too and I have headers. Clearance is big I had to jack the motor up a lil plus remove the cross brace. I'm awd but don't think that makes a diff.

[jshhammond]

hardest part is getting the wires off/on. its probably easier without headers

no special tools just sockets, extenders, maybe a u joint. and small hands.

[ti28]

A little tip, the black plastic cover that goes behind the starter. Just cut the top part of the hole off, this way it makes it a U. A lot easier to put back in.

[GRCYGTR]

Thanks everybody, I'll let you know how it goes. The wife is loving the fact that I'm doing this on Valentine's Day

[ssam98]

Originally Posted by GRCYGTR

Thanks everybody, I'll let you know how it goes. The wife is loving the fact that I'm doing this on Valentine's Day

wait, valentines day is not for the tbss and us, my bad.

[1FASTSS]

I just did this and one thing I "had" to do was loose the trans mount and jack the trans up some to get the starter out...would have been about an hour long job if I had done that to being with...otherwise it took me about 3 hrs on this one...first time always is longer than the second...GL everyone that needs to do this.

[jpracing01]

Originally Posted by 1FASTSS

I just did this and one thing I "had" to do was loose the trans mount and jack the trans up some to get the starter out...would have been about an hour long job if I had done that to being with...otherwise it took me about 3 hrs on this one...first time always is longer than the second...GL everyone that needs to do this.

I take out the dust cover and it comes right out

[PeteG06SS]

I'm changing mine out too. It should be easy though bout the only thing left in the engine bay is the block and heads. LOTS of room,,,,,,,,,, for now.

[GRCYGTR]

Well, sorry for the delay. I got 'er done and it took about 2.5 hours. I struggled with getting the wire nuts on/off (I swear they couldn't be 1 mm shorter). I had to jack up the pan a little bit to get the starter to slide in/out for me as well. Not too bad, but not fun because it doesn't help me go faster...sigh.

[leon07ssowner]

With headers did you have to remove the trans lines or headers?