Battery, Starter Motor or something else

[Just*Managing Member Find all posts View Profile Close Just*Managing]

So my '04 Prado has started to give me a few starting problems. When you turn the key it gives about half a turnover and then you just hear a small whine and then some 3 or 4 seconds later it will either die or it will kick in to life. At first I thought the battery must be about dead but I stuck it on a charger overnight and it still did the same thing. Only happens some times and usually if it doesn't kick over first time then it will after the 2nd or 3rd try, another indication that the battery still has plenty of life in it.
Any clues?
It's due for a service but I would prefer to have an idea what I'm in for before the mechanic tells me the whosamacallit needed replacing at a cost of $2000-

[SWR Banned Find all posts View Profile Close SWR]

Gday Just*Managing

I think this link below will help!

Prado wont turn over

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Hi Just*Man
This sounds very familiar.
I've had our V6 120 series starter out a few times now to degrease clean and regrease.
The first time there was quite a build up of old lube and muck.
I had scored a second hand unit from a Toyota dismantler here in Adelaide. This one lasted for three months before the brushes gave up the ghost, it was returned for a full refund under warranty.
The original was relubed (CRC) and refitted. This continued to start well for some time.
Then, luckily it failed at home after being idle all weekend.
So after disconnecting the battery, removing the left front wheel and taking the plastic skirt off the guard the starter was un bolted.
This time it was quite clean still. I felt that the clutch or thrust bearing was almost tight and not spinning freely.
This is what the yoke pushes against when the solenoid activates to engage the gear into the flywheel.
The bearing is a "dry " type and is pressed steel in manufacture.
I used a liberal amount of CRC with a tube to try to get under the pressing material layers.
Also dropped some engine oil into it.
There is an auto electrical supplier advertising a 2kw starter to replace the 1.6kw OEM unit on ebay, they are in the North of Adelaide.
Will most likely get one of these to replace the original and keep original as a spare.
Cheers
Troy

[Just*Managing Member Find all posts View Profile Close Just*Managing]

thanks guys, much appreciated