Altima V6-3.5L (VQ35) (2003)
Starter Drive/Bendix: Service and Repair
Pinion/Clutch Check
1. Inspect pinion assembly teeth.
Replace pinion assembly if teeth are worn or damaged. (Also check condition of ring gear teeth.)
2. Inspect planetary gears/planetary gear teeth.
Replace planetary gears/planet gears if teeth are worn or damaged. (Also check condition of pinion shaft/drive shaft gear teeth.)
3. Check to see if pinion assembly locks in one direction and rotates smoothly in the opposite direction.
If it locks or rotates in both directions, or if unusual resistance is evident, replace.