Junk Auto zone starter - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jon J · #1 10-18-2009, 06:25 PM

Getting ready to replace my third "lifetime" starter from Auto zone. The score is two solenoids one Bendix. This time however i am replacing the solenoid and Bendix with nos parts from the gate. ^%^$&$ Auto zone!!!!

toomany MBZ · #2 10-18-2009, 07:36 PM

You're finding out what a "deal" those lifetime warranties are.
Hopefully that swap out isn't bad on a 240.

Brandon_SLC · #3 10-18-2009, 08:13 PM

I gave up on their batteries. After replacing batteries every 2 years or so, sometimes less, I switched to Costco. Not worth the hassle. I was also pleasantly surprised how inexspensive it was. Too bad they don't sell more automotive stuff.

04 Diesel · #4 10-18-2009, 09:53 PM

I dont buy much from auto zone anymore, most of there stuff is made in mexico or china.

Junkman · #5 10-18-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon_SLC

I gave up on their batteries. After replacing batteries every 2 years or so, sometimes less, I switched to Costco.

I just replaced the batteries in my diesel ram with AZone - 3 yr full replacement. I'll put a reminder in my calendar to test them at 2 1/2 yrs. Hopefully I'll have an excuse for a free swap. Everything else I try to avoid from the Zone.

TchTchr · #6 10-19-2009, 08:25 AM

I went through the AZ starter woes last spring. The first one lasted a whopping two weeks. The second has lasted 6 months (knock on wood). I think I should get a Bosch rebuilt and put it on the shelf for the day I know is coming.

tbomachines · #7 10-19-2009, 08:37 AM

Stick to Napa! Although if you're burning through starters like that, there may be something upstream causing them to burn out.

pawoSD · #8 10-19-2009, 09:28 AM

We went through two of them on my bro's 300D....until we demanded our money back and bought a German rebuilt on Fastlane....it has been perfect ever since (over a year now)

pawoSD · #9 10-19-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Stick to Napa! Although if you're burning through starters like that, there may be something upstream causing them to burn out.

Good used or German rebuilds on Starters and Alternators are the only way to go.

#10 10-19-2009, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Stick to Napa! Although if you're burning through starters like that, there may be something upstream causing them to burn out.

Is NAPA any better? I once bought a NAPA alternator (because it was a weekend and I needed it fixed) and ended up going through two of them in a month before I gave up on their silly warrantee and installed a Bosch.

#11 10-19-2009, 10:27 AM

Thank goodness this is on a four cylinder. Changing the starter on a 616 is very quick, simple and clean and you can do it from the top.

A five cylinder OTOH is more time consuming and will sometimes require the invention of new swear words because the old ones aren't enough for the job.

As far as quality, you need a Bosch remanufactured if you want to have a chance for starter longevity. Before doing that, however, do a Voltage Drop test to make sure that the starter is getting full voltage. A few bad connections will cause the voltage to be dropped across the bad connection rather than the starter motor. Low voltage on an electric motor will wear it out fast.