Hey there! As a supplier of VALEO Starters, I often get asked about how to disassemble these bad boys. So, I thought I'd put together this blog post to walk you through the process step by step. Whether you're a mechanic looking to repair a starter or just a DIY enthusiast curious about how things work, this guide is for you.
Why Disassemble a VALEO Starter?
Before we dive into the disassembly process, let's talk about why you might want to take apart a VALEO starter in the first place. There are a few reasons:
- Repair: If your starter is malfunctioning, disassembling it can help you identify the problem. Maybe there's a worn-out brush, a faulty solenoid, or a broken gear. By taking it apart, you can replace the damaged parts and get your starter working again.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your starter. Disassembling it allows you to clean the components, lubricate moving parts, and check for signs of wear and tear.
- Learning: If you're interested in how starters work, disassembling one is a great way to learn. You'll get a hands-on look at the internal components and how they interact with each other.
Tools You'll Need
Before you start disassembling your VALEO starter, you'll need a few tools. Here's a list of the essentials:
- Socket set: You'll need a variety of socket sizes to remove the bolts and nuts holding the starter together.
- Screwdriver set: A set of flathead and Phillips screwdrivers will come in handy for removing screws and accessing certain components.
- Pliers: Pliers can be used to grip and pull wires, as well as to remove retaining clips.
- Wire brush: A wire brush will help you clean the components and remove any dirt or debris.
- Lubricant: You'll need a lubricant to apply to the moving parts after reassembly.
Disassembly Process
Now that you have your tools ready, let's get started with the disassembly process. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
Before you start working on the starter, it's important to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shock. Locate the negative terminal on the battery and use a wrench to loosen the nut. Once the nut is loose, remove the negative cable from the terminal and set it aside.
Step 2: Remove the Starter
The next step is to remove the starter from the vehicle. The starter is usually located on the engine block, near the transmission. You'll need to remove the bolts and nuts holding the starter in place. Use your socket set to remove the bolts, and then carefully lift the starter out of the vehicle.
Step 3: Remove the Solenoid
The solenoid is a small component located on the side of the starter. It's responsible for engaging the starter motor when you turn the key. To remove the solenoid, you'll need to remove the bolts or screws holding it in place. Once the solenoid is removed, you can set it aside.
Step 4: Remove the Drive End Cover
The drive end cover is located on the end of the starter where the drive gear is located. To remove the drive end cover, you'll need to remove the bolts or screws holding it in place. Once the cover is removed, you can access the drive gear and the overrunning clutch.
Step 5: Remove the Drive Gear and Overrunning Clutch
The drive gear and overrunning clutch are located inside the drive end cover. To remove them, you'll need to use a pair of pliers to grip the drive gear and pull it out. The overrunning clutch should come out with the drive gear. Set these components aside.
Step 6: Remove the Armature
The armature is the rotating part of the starter motor. To remove the armature, you'll need to remove the bolts or screws holding the front end cover in place. Once the front end cover is removed, you can access the armature. Use a pair of pliers to grip the armature and pull it out of the starter.
Step 7: Remove the Brushes
The brushes are small carbon blocks that make contact with the armature to provide electrical power. To remove the brushes, you'll need to remove the brush holders. The brush holders are usually held in place by screws or clips. Once the brush holders are removed, you can remove the brushes.
Step 8: Clean the Components
Now that you've disassembled the starter, it's time to clean the components. Use a wire brush to remove any dirt or debris from the components. You can also use a cleaning solvent to clean the components, but be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 9: Inspect the Components
Once the components are clean, it's time to inspect them for signs of wear and tear. Look for any cracks, chips, or other damage to the components. If any components are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
Step 10: Reassemble the Starter
Now that you've cleaned and inspected the components, it's time to reassemble the starter. Start by installing the brushes in the brush holders. Then, install the armature in the starter. Next, install the drive gear and overrunning clutch. Finally, install the drive end cover and the solenoid.
Step 11: Reinstall the Starter
Once the starter is reassembled, it's time to reinstall it in the vehicle. Carefully lower the starter into place and install the bolts and nuts holding it in place. Then, reconnect the negative cable to the battery.


Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you disassemble and reassemble your VALEO starter:
- Take pictures: Before you start disassembling the starter, take pictures of the components and how they are assembled. This will help you remember how to reassemble the starter later.
- Label the components: As you disassemble the starter, label the components so you know where they go. You can use masking tape and a marker to label the components.
- Use a torque wrench: When reassembling the starter, use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts and nuts to the manufacturer's specifications. This will ensure that the starter is assembled correctly and will prevent any damage to the components.
- Lubricate the moving parts: Before you reassemble the starter, apply a small amount of lubricant to the moving parts. This will help reduce friction and wear on the components.
Conclusion
Disassembling a VALEO starter is a relatively simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can disassemble your starter, clean the components, inspect them for damage, and reassemble the starter. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you keep your vehicles running smoothly.
Reference Numbers and Applications
If you're looking for specific VALEO starters, here are some reference numbers and applications to check out:
- Reference Number:Valeo:600189, TM000A28901 BOBCAT:6676957, 6685190, 7283321, DSL6676957 Application:BOBCAT S175/ S185/ S250 /S310
- Reference Number:Mitsubishi:M008T61671, M008T63471, M8T61671, M8T61671AM, M8T63471 Iveco:2995138, 42498714, 504025884, 5802121827, 99432760 Application:IVECO F2BE0681
- Reference Number:VALEO 1201626 Doosan: 300516-00039, 300516-00039A Application:DOOSAN DL06 DX140LC-5
Contact Us
If you're interested in purchasing VALEO starters or have any questions about our products, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're a reliable supplier of high-quality VALEO starters, and we're here to help you find the right starter for your needs.
References
- VALEO Starter User Manual
- Automotive Repair Manuals
