According to most amateur (forum) sources, the screeching noise after start in the cold weather is originated by planetary gear set in the starter (not by lazy solenoid); most people were able to calm the starter down by adding grease to the gears. I also noticed that many remanufactured starters are showing freshly lubricated gear sets.


Fresh grease in rebuild starter

So to test this theory I bought the used starter with some additional parts and decided to try this method on my Fit.
The sets of photos below showing my starter exploration:

Starter and tools (10 mm socket for solenoid nuts and universal screwdriver with 5/16 hex for 2 through bolts) A special tool at top left (28.5 mm OD) goes in place of the armature to support brushes, facilitating armature change over

Front piece is removed, exposing (R to L) stop collar, pinion gear, overrunning clutch, solenoid lever fork and part of the helical cuts on the shaft

Solenoid is pivoted away and fork is removed. Due to the, well, "innovative" braided wire between solenoid terminal and starter "yoke" (Honda calls the stator housing) I kept these two items together

Planetary housing with output shaft

Out of focus picture Shows rear cover with brass bushing and armature still in the housing held by brushes

The brush support is placed on the armature shaft, then pushed in to support the brushes; the armature can be removed now. The tool will remain at this place until I'm done with armature.

Another armature with better commutator is in the housing now

I used NLGI-2 synthetic grease Mobilith SHC-220 with extended temperature operation range (for California)

Planetary cover is on

Deep socket and hammer are used to drive a collar down and expose the split ring (if overrunning clutch has to be replaced)

One more view
After I put the starter back together, I took it to the store for free testing. The starter passed electrical test and a store manager was a bit unhappy due to the lost opportunity of selling me their "best starter with lifetime warranty"

 

Thanks for the great tear-down documentation! Nice. How much of a pain is it to get the starter in/out of the car? Our engine bays are pretty tight.

Please do keep us updated on whether this successfully solves the starter noise- it'd be interesting to know if it's really just a grease issue.

 

yeah this is great info 👍🏼

 

On the wrecking yard it was easy because I pulled the radiator out. I still may need to explore few things before doing starter swap (new bushings and to grease or not to grease the splines) Too much grease at this area will make the matters worse by attracting the dust.

 

This write up is exactly what I was looking for. Great job on fixing the problem opposed to replacing the starter.
I have a few questions about this process.
What kind of grease do I need to re-grease the area that's causing the cold early morning grind that happens when a cold start occurs?
There is "technically" nothing wrong with the starter except the noise "slight grind" noise we are getting only when it's cold.
Is there any other repair to the starter that is recommended while the starter is apart or is the "re-greasing" the only necessary step?
Again, thank you very much for your help!!
Anthony
I have a 2007 Honda Fit Sport with 103,000 miles

 

After this post I've found a post on the same topic about 2002 (yes) Acura RSX (m/t model uses the same type starter)
It looks like the solenoid plunger is sticking as well (the author of the post put the starter solenoid in freezer)
Also most rebuilt starters come with new solenoid anyways
Bottom line, in addition to greasing planetary gearbox, I've took off the new solenoid off the rebuilt starter on the wrecking yard and swapped solenoid too.
I used NLGI-2 synthetic grease Mobilith SHC-220 (red)
The CV joint grease from Autozone can be used as well (as long as it has appropriate temperature range)
on your mileage the starter bruses are probably fine

 

Ok, thank you for your help! Greatly appreciated!

 

Doc,
Is the special tool to support the brushes a 28mm or 29mm socket? thx
Anthony

 

I've machined it from Delrin round. A chamfered 30 degree by 1.5 mm PVC pipe with 28 mm OD will work
Even a wood round with 7mm hole and edge chamfer (see above) will do the job

 

ok great! thx doc!