I've been a long time lurker on this forum and gotten some great info, but I've run into an issue / dilemma I can't seem to solve with a search. Anyway, the Vibe has about 90k on it and it has treated me well, but a month or two ago I noticed a noise coming from the rear and took it into my mechanic. They diagnosed it as a bad rear differential. They said I should only put a new (not used) one in to the tune of $2350 for the part and 12 hours of labor. Yikes! In regards to rebuilding it, they said it would take longer - 13.5 hours to remove, open up the existing differential, and diagnose the problem before even rebuilding it. The reason they don't install used is a shop policy - I guess they've had problems with customer expectations or something like that in the past.
Well, I decided to get a second opinion from my old mechanic (only left them because I moved 45 minutes away). Same diagnosis, but a quote of 8 hours and they'd be willing to install a used one. For some reason they couldn't supply a used or new differential through their vendor or parts contacts, but did indicate that the build date could affect which parts will work (06/2008). He encouraged me to find a used differential on my own.
Problem is, I've had a hard time finding a used differential. Can I assume a used "rear axle assembly" would have the differential included? Also much of used rear axle assemblies have understandably high mileage. Based on what I've read here about Vibes and rear differentials and 100k plus mileage, I'm a bit leary of installing a used one anyway. I've talked to a couple GM parts departments and based on my VIN determined I need GM part no. 19205607. This seems to be the cheapest I can find it $1,412.63 -
http://www.gmoutletparts.com/oe-gm/19205607
Other similar type GM parts sites are within $100 or so of that. I'm heavily leaning in that direction at the moment, but I've got a few outstanding concerns I was hoping to get answered here:
1. Anybody know about the notion of the build date and different types of differentials because of it? I really don't want to be on the hook for the wrong part or pay a $200+ restocking fee.
2. Could I buy the Matrix version at a lower cost and what would the part number be? I'm guessing something from this link -
http://www.partznet.com/auto-parts/2009 ... ntial-scat
3. Would I need to purchase any other parts besides the differential? I don't want to get a call from the shop saying, "yeah, we've got everything we need except for..."
4. I also came across this youtube video which I recently revisited and was wondering if I should pursue it with either mechanic or a new mechanic?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOd40uoc1SU
All of the threads I've read on genvibe seem in agreement about replacing the rear differential in similar scenarios. I've seen a few mentions of rebuilds, but no one else has discussed fixing the viscous coupler as this video has.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!