What are the symptoms of a faulty starter carbon brush?
2 Answers
The symptoms of a faulty starter carbon brush are: 1. The starter motor cannot rotate or lacks sufficient power; 2. A slow and weak starting sound can be heard, or only a clicking sound from the small pinion operating mechanism is audible; 3. The engine struggles to start or fails to start at all. The starter needs to generate significant torque to move the engine's flywheel crankshaft and crank linkage mechanism, which is why it includes a planetary gear mechanism to reduce speed and increase torque. The function of the starter is similar to the hand crank used in old-fashioned tractors. When starting the engine, the operating mechanism in the starter pushes the small pinion outward to engage with the large pinion on the flywheel. Once the gears are engaged, the starter rotates the flywheel, causing the engine's piston linkage group to move and thus starting the engine.
When I encounter a faulty starter motor brush, the first symptom is usually hearing a sharp clicking sound or continuous knocking noises when trying to start the vehicle, but the engine won't turn over at all. It feels like turning the key for a long time without any response. This happens because the carbon brushes are responsible for conducting electricity to the starter motor's core components. Once they're excessively worn or broken, the electrical current is interrupted, causing the motor to malfunction. Another common symptom is complete silence when attempting to start the car, as if there's no power at all, especially noticeable during cold starts. Faulty brushes may also cause intermittent issues – the car starts fine today but gets stuck tomorrow, which is related to uneven wear. This type of failure is more common in older vehicles, so regular inspection and maintenance of starter components are crucial. Don't underestimate this small part; its failure could potentially cripple the entire system. Remember, if you notice these signs, have it checked by a professional shop immediately to avoid being stranded on the road.
