My S2 has always sounded like a "lorry" when starting, and is a major drain on the battery. As it's running reasonably well at the moment, I decided to give it a treat and get the starter re-conditioned.
On removing the starter the auto-electrician found the front bearing had worn-through and the steel shaft was wearing through the alloy housing
. This in-turn was causing excess wear on the rear bearing, motor bushes and starter pinion 
!As machine facilities were not available, my good friend Max from FrazerPart came to the rescue with a good used unit "off the shelf". That was soon refurbished, checked over and refitted to the car. Total cost was £150, but no grubby fingers and peace of mind. Starter spins a treat now - all ready for the early starts of the motorsport season
!