Starter motor screeching

[Tman]

Had this a couple of times recently - when firing up the beast I get a momentary screeching sound from the starter motor then it fires up as normal. It only happens occasionally but it's a bit embarassing if you're in town or something and it certainly doesn't sound healthy! Any suggestions as to cause or is it a dealer visit again?

[basil brush]

Sounds like the engagement mechanism on your starter is full of crap. Mine started doing it last year and I was going to get a new starter fitted but decided to take it out and have a look at it first. A few minutes cleaning it out with WD40, and then a quick regrease and it's been fine since.

[optimal noise]

Bit of a coincidence as mine over the last few weeks has been doing the same, i supose thats one of the down falls from leaving the car outside.

[S3 CGJ]

Are you sure it's not a brief fan belt squeal? If so, just tighten it.