Sometimes when I turn the key to start the car I hear a click and nothing after that. I move the shifter thru the gears and after a while it starts in neutral or park. It is getting worse. What could be the problem? Thanks. Ray

 

Thanks. Should I replace the whole starter or just change the brushes?

 

It depends.
When the Solenoid clicks the disc inside makes contact with to Contact Points. One that has Battery Voltage and one that goes to the Starter Brushes.

It is possible for one or more of the Contacts to be burned and not allowing Voltage to get to the Brushes.

When you the Starter Solenoid Clicks check the lower Big Stud next to the Starter Motor for Voltage with you Volt Meter. If you are not getting any when the Solenoid Clicks it is likely the Contacts are burned or somethng is keeping the Solenoid Piston from moving enough to reach the Contacts.

However, if you end up removing the Starte you can take a look at the Brushes and Starter Brushes are inexpensive compared to a lot of parts. There is Generic ones for $9-$15 and the real Bosch ones are also sold on eBay.

Taking the Starter apart also allows you to check where the Brushes ride and a limited check Electrical Check with the Ohm Meter on the Armature.

This is the Starter Brush Part Number for My Year and Model. OE number: 0001518114
Part Number: (BOSCH) 2 007 014 065

The pic is of an AC Delco Starter that is similar to the Bosch one.

 

Another Test you can do is use your Volt Meter on the Battery and have someone else try to start the Car. When you hear the Click of the Starter see what Voltage drop you are getting.

If the Voltage Drops below 11-11.5 Volts your Battery is not holding the chage well or something in the Starting System is creating a higher than normal load and using up the Battery.