How to Replace the Starter on a 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom
by Cayden Conor
The starter on the 1998 Buick LeSabre Custom could malfunction because of the solenoid or other internal parts in the starter. The starter may be shimmed. If so, pay particular attention to the location of the shims. The starter's nose gear meshes with the flexplate, and if it is not lined up properly, it will grind when you start the vehicle, and will wear out the nose gear and the flexplate.
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery cable, using the appropriate wrench. Set the cable aside, ensuring that it does not touch any metal. Raise the vehicle with the floor jack and support the car with jack stands.
Step 2
Remove the splash shield if it is in the way of the starter (on some cars, it may be missing). Remove the flexplate inspection cover bolts, using the appropriate socket, then remove the cover.
Step 3
Remove the wiring from the starter, using the appropriate wrench. Put the nuts back onto the studs, so that you don't lose them. Remove the starter bolts, using the appropriate socket, then lower the starter from the vehicle.
Step 4
Place the starter in position and install the starter bolts. If the starter uses shims, be sure to put the shims in the same place from where they came. Tighten the starter bolts to 32 ft.-lb. of torque.
Step 5
Remove the nuts from the old starter's studs. Attach the wiring and the nuts on the new starter. Tighten the nuts to 12 ft.-lb. of torque. Reinstall the flexplate inspection cover and tighten the bolts to 62 inch-pounds of torque. Reinstall the splash shield. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands, using the floor jack. Reattach the negative battery cable.
Things You'll Need
- Set of wrenches
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Set of sockets
- Torque wrench (foot-pounds)
- Torque wrench (inch-pounds)
Writer Bio
Cayden Conor has been writing since 1996. She has been published on several websites and in the winter 1996 issue of "QECE." Conor specializes in home and garden, dogs, legal, automotive and business subjects, with years of hands-on experience in these areas. She has an Associate of Science (paralegal) from Manchester Community College and studied computer science, criminology and education at University of Tampa.
