You would think it would have made a terrible noise...but actually it made a tumbling metal sort of sound. It sounded as if the drive gear of the starter was engaging all the time. I've heard alternators that have sounded worse. I was lucky to catch it quickly...and probably was saved by how it broke. Thank goodness it didnt get jammed between the flywheel and housing or it would have ended up that T5. When i pulled the starter out the "nose" portion that holds the shaft bearing was still in the bell housing. If i ever do an engine swap i'm sure i will see some interesting shavings in the bottom of the housing.