Did the service and oil change yesterday. Good news is everything is bone dry under there. Some slight oil residue under the filter but I deduced that is because when you take it off, the AC line, wireing harness and yourself get soaked with oil.

I noticed the starter makes sort of a squeaking sound while cranking. Hard to describe but sounds like a dry bushing or something. It cranks fine just sounds funny to me. Should I be concerned?

 

I hear you loud and clear on the oil filter removal issue. I despise that design. Although I've gotten better at the process over time, my hand and upper arm still get soaked with oil every time I pull the oil filter. I go through at least 10 sheets of newspaper wiping up the A/C shielded lines and undercarriage before installing the new oil filter. Never had a vehicle other than this one that makes such a mess during oil filter removal....

If your starter is sounding differently now than what you're used to, I would be concerned. It may indeed be a bushing. I would at least go ahead and do the research on what it might cost to rebuild it or replace it....