Starter fly wheel Noise Thrust bearing ? LS1

[mtotorica]

Thanks for taking the time to look,
Heres the problem : LS1 5.7 WS6,. As i was driving along it sounded like the starter started rubbing on the flywheel. The end of the bindex did show some wear as did the flywheel I have replaced the starter and made sure the flywheel was straight. The engine was still making the grinding noise. I am taking a guess that the thrust or third main bearing is worn causing the crankshaft to shift back and allow the flywheel to rub against the starter and thus the grinding starter noise. Could use a second opinion befor I pull the engine.
Thanks again Mike

[RARON455]

I would imagine for that to be happening you would have to have substancial movement back and forth in the crank. I would pull the belt off the front and then try to move the crank forward and see if that was possible. Normally the starter gear retracts pretty far back into the case.