Good afternoon, hoping someone may help me diagnose a starting issue. I just bought a 2008 Yukon XL 2500. On every 4-6 starts, the starter grinds/binds and does not start the truck. I was going to change the starter myself but as I am thinking about this, I am wondering if this could be a flywheel disc gear issue. In my internet searches I haven’t seem much about flywheel disc gear issues and most things I read say it could be the starter. The randomness of the issue is what makes me question the starter being the cause. Guess I am looking for guidance on whether to try the starter first or just take it to a mechanic. I can change the starter but dropping the tranny is to much for me. Thanks in advance for any advice.

When you say the starter binds......do you have to do something to get it to un-bind?

Probably not the best description. It makes a grinding sound and it seems like it binds for a second then stops and tries to start again but it still grinds/binds. Sometimes it will make an awful sound when starter is engaging but it will start the engine. I can turn the truck off and on 8-10 times in a row and it may only do it once or twice.

To answer your question no I do not have to unbind anything. The starter will retract and I can try the key again, usually with success on the second try.

After 11 years and now grinding sounds, it may be best to simply replace the starter motor.
Anytime I have experienced starter issues, I replace them, as I do not want to get stranded somewhere.
You also dont want to risk any damage to the flexplate because the starter gear may not be retracting properly.

Sounds like the starter gear is not engaging with the flex plate. I'd:

1. buy a starter because this is likely what you need
2. crawl under there
3. pull the inspection cover
4. turn the engine over by hand while inspecting the teeth on the flex plate
5. if no damaged teeth are found, replace the starter

While you are there, replace the crankshaft position sensor. It is trapped by the starter and easy to do. The old one is almost a pre-teen filled with attitude.

Thank you both for the info. It sounds like I should start with the starter.
I will update as to what I find.

Thanks! Looking forward to it!

Ok after it all it was just the starter. Good thing I brought it to the mechanic. I thought the steering was just very light, didn’t have the firm steering of an SUV. The steering gear box was bad. Drives great now. Only issue is after I left, the service stabilitrak light came on. I called and they said it probably needs to be recalibrated or the sensor is bad? Anyway drove it about 20 miles, stopping twice. The third time I started the engine the light went off and did not come on during the ride home. Going to monitor it before I bring it back.

Thanks for letting us know the starter replacement did the trick. Also very good you got the steering addressed !!