I had this problem as well for 5-6 years. Warm day/cold day, warm engine/cold engine. Would happen once in a while. Eventually would need to replace starter before it stops working. But, sold the car before I had the chance to replace it.
Perhaps, you should have it replaced with a new one since it would be taken off anyway?

 

Thanks for your response, JIm. That's what I figured I would hear and it makes sense, I just happen to be one of those guys that likes to fix everything instead of replacing it.

 

Without hearing the noise, it would be difficult to make any suggestion; nevertheless, it is a reduction starter. Only thing you can do is take the starter out, lube it and seemif that helps!

 

Thanks again, It doesn't seem like a a huge project with the car up on jackstands and removing the lower splash shield?

 

On my 09 I also had to remove the trans fill/dipstick tube to access one of the bolts.

 

I saw on utube the author loosened the dipstick but did not remove it to gain access to the upper bolt

 

That all depends on what tools you have to work with!

 

Removed starter today, Bendix shaft was a little sticky and the spur gears had dried grease. We'll see what happens.

 

Just had the coldest morning of the season today, no noise yet.

 

My '10 Corolla LE has had this issue ever since I bought the car. The original Toyota belt used to make the noise when it got cold in South Florida. Rest of the year was fine. At 90k I got the belt replaced with a Dayco belt 4060485 which is meant for vehicles manufactured in North America. However, that belt makes the noise more frequently. I had the belt tightened like two years back and it helped a little, but I still notice it on cold starts or when the weather is colder down here.

I am thinking it is the starter, but I think these vehicles have the manual tensioner and that tension has to be exact. Also, probably the Toyota belts or Bando belts are a little bit more precise in length then the Dayco ones. Next time I get the belt replaced I will ask the shop to install a Toyota belt.

Video below shows the starter noise..

 

With my Corolla with 100k it was definitely was the starter.

 

So your starter issue got resolved? Did you fix the starter?

 

Yes, noise due to dried grease, no rust on starter drive, just sticky grease.