As I had my car on a set of ramps, turning the wheel to the right wouldn't have been an option, in my opinion anyway.

I took my starter completely apart while it was out. I put about two teaspoons of grease inside it (mostly in the planetary gear area), turned down the armature on my South Bend Lathe (everyone should own one) and sanded the brushes smooth. The pilot hole in the end of the shaft wasn't concentric, but wasn't out so much that the springs in brushes couldn't keep up with the eccentric motion. Next time I do one, I will use a steady rest and re-do the pilot hole.

Turns much faster than before. Sounds almost like one of those pneumatic starters on heavy diesel trucks. Glorious starter noises when one turns the key.

Fin