does starter squeal mean the starter is going out, or is it just makin noise???

It will not go bad for a while!! I had starter squeal and the starter lasted about 2 years with the squeal. Eventually it gave a shit but it lasted a long time.

If it is to unbearable take it out and regrease it. Worked for me.

i could care less about the sound, my dads just afraid itll go out during the winter.

Both starters on my B13's squeal, especially when it's cold. The XE's been doing it for almost 3 years now. It quit for awhile after I did the clutch and then started again. Don't know how long the SE-R has done it, only had the car for a month and a half. What parts did you grease Darren? I'll be doing a clutch in the SE-R in a week or so and would like to resolve that squeal if I can. Thanks.

Mine squeeled for probly 2 years. Now its stoped. I havent heard it in a LONG time. Who knows why ***. If it dies, it dies. But most people I know with squeel had/has it for 5 or more years sometimes.

it more than likely is the armature which causes the squeel. once replaced it wont be there anymore. as far as how long it lasts i couldnt say. never had it personally

OK with starter off there are 4 long bolts that holds the starter together. take them out and you can open it up. It kinda splits into 2 pieces. There is three gears drivng around a main gear grease them well.
Before I applied grease I spun them quickly and guess what sound I heard.

60-125K miles, 4years.
Still squealin and starting. 'Teddy' seems to be firing up even quiker w/ the rebuilt injectors.

My 91 doesn't do it cause the original owner replaced the starter. What a sucker. You should see his immacualte mantnence records. Full of unnecessary shit. Good for me though.
My new 92 does it, and it won't be bothering me. When I do the clutch I may take care of it. This way I won't have to hear people's comments. Good info though, now I know its not threatening. Thanks