Ring Gear or Starter Motor ?

[pmth95]

Just got for the second time in a few weeks a terrible grinding noise
when I go to start my 2000 Impreza RS. The noise just dissapears after
the 2nd try and then the car starts normally.

The car has 68000 and it is a manual transmission. The first thing (and
cheapest) I will do is change the starter motor, but I suspect it might
be the ring gear on the flywheel. When changing the starter, I will
inspect the flywheel gear

Is the ring gear on the Impreza known to have issues?

 

[Edward Hayes]

No ring gear or starter issues that I've heard of. I would first check
that the starter bolts have not loosened.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

No ring gear or starter issues that I've heard of. I would first check
that the starter bolts have not loosened.

good idea on the bolts. Maybe the solenoid contacts are getting worn?
Double check all the cables and their terminals and clean the battery
posts too.

Carl