Starter with a gear reduction mechanism

A gear reduction mechanism comprising:

• a rotary shaft having a spur gear formed on an outer peripheral surface thereof;
• a plurality of planet gears engaging said spur gear;
• an output rotary shaft supporting said plurality of planet gears so as to cause rotation of said rotary shaft;
• an internal ring gear formed of molded synthetic resin and having an intermediate bracket having a flange portion extending outwardly in the radial direction from said output rotary shaft, a cylindrical portion extending in the longitudinal direction with respect to said output rotary shaft, said flange portion acting as a cantilever for said cylindrical portion, and a toothed portion formed on an inner peripheral surface of said cylindrical portion, said plurality of planet gears engaging said toothed portion of said internal ring gear;
• a front bracket into which said flange portion of said intermediate bracket is fitted so as to support said internal ring gear;
• and
• a reinforcing member comprising a material having a higher mechanical strength than said synthetic resin, said member being secured to the outer surface of said cylindrical portion.