My wife has a 1999 trailblazer and I think the bendix is bad but wanted to know from you guys how they work ans hwat you think.

When I try and start the machine the starter spins, sometimes it catches and starts, Most the time it doesnt. I took off the starter cover and found no rust at all on the bendix at all. When I try and start it (without the cover on and holding the end of the bendix with my hand) it spins and throws the small gear like it should into the flywheel every time and then the inner shaft just spins while both gears are together. WHEN it does actually engage correctly, the small gear will move the flywheel and gets thrown back into place. I have read that there are springs in the bendix to throw it back but I can move it in and out to the flywheel like there is no spring.

The little "sleeve" between the c clip and the small gear just "flop" back and forth. Does it sound broke? Can you repair these?

I sprayed WD40 into and it didnt make a difference. (I cant get it out until I get a flywheel puller to better inspect it)

Also can you buy a puller for the flywheel? and where can you get em?

thanks