Replacing starter in 2000 chevy silverado 1500 4x4 5.3...

[mp2008]

Forum Newbie here lookin for some advice on swapping out the starter on my 2000 chevy silverado 1500 4x4 5.3L.

 

Problem: Sometimes when I start the truck, the bendix gear on the starter sticks and grinds on the flywheel.

 

My solution: Replace starter.

 

I've been doing enough research to know that changing the starter out in these silverados is rather difficult but possible so I'm going to tackle it myself. I'd rather just pay to have it done if it's that much of a hassle but I've already put over $500 into wheel bearings, brakes and rotors, and other misc. things this week so I don't really have a choice. My questions are, is there any advice on the whole process? I've read some threads that provided some advice just would like to get any and all I can get. Also, is there a need to check if the new starter needs to be shimmed and how hard will this be? Most threads I've read never mentioned anything about shimming. Just looking for some help before I tackle it, thanks.

[00Silverado4x4]

I haven't had the opportunity to replace a starter on one of these models but from what I've read I'd pull the wheel well liner to get at the wires on the starter. Then crawl under and unmount the starter, from there you should be able to work the starter out. Remember to disconnect your battery first to prevent any possible shorting of the wires.

[efritz]

I don't know who told you it was hard, but if changing a starter on a 5.3 is hard then so is sleeping in... All you need to do is disconnect the negative battery cable, remove the two 10mm bolts for the plastic dust cover over the bellhousing, remove the two 15mm bolts that hold it on, then it falls out. its all done from right under the starter, no removing panels. then just swap the wires over to the new starter and reassemble in reverse order.

[bruce69camaro]

I replaced mine and it's not that hard of a job as stated in the above.

[mp2008]

Efritz, huh, I was looking at it last night and was wondering what all the fuss is about. Looks pretty open. From what I read, the hard part is managing to get it out around the lines and wires around it. But it didn't look like there were any potential problems to me. Should I take the time to make sure it lines up with the flywheel right and shim it if it looks like it's needed? I'm going with a new aftermarket starter, either duralast or carquest.

[mp2008]

"I replaced mine and it's not that hard of a job as stated in the above."

 

What was the reason you replaced yours? Did you go with an aftermarket starter or a oem? Was there a need to shim or did you not worry about it?

[muddkatt]

From past experience with Duralast starters, I would highly recommend getting an AC Delco from somewhere like rockauto.com.

[Daryl LBZ]

From past experience with Duralast starters, I would highly recommend getting an AC Delco from somewhere like rockauto.com.

I second that. I've never bought one myself, but Dad went through 3 of them at one point in time before giving up.

[mp2008]

From past experience with Duralast starters, I would highly recommend getting an AC Delco from somewhere like rockauto.com.

I had a feeling someone would say this, that's why I mentioned what I was looking at buying. Honestly can get the AC delco for right around the same price as I can the other aftermarket starters. Only downfall is I won't be able to do it this weekend. Will have to wait till next I guess. Quick question, what's the likelyhood I'll have to shim it? Just figuring out if I should pay the extra and have shims on hand.

[muddkatt]

Pick up some shims from Autozone. If you do need them, you will have them on hand. Return them if you don't use them. Personally I have not had to shim a starter in 25 years, but I don't have a lot of starter failures on my vehicles.