I ended up finding a used differential. I don't recall the price I paid for it and my records are not accessible at the moment, but I'm pretty sure the labor quote I gave above should be pretty close to what I ended up paying. One year later and the Vibe is running well. It wasn't cheap, but better ...

Thanks guys. I sometimes get my internet blinders on when it comes to things - only looking for solutions online. I had looked into one of the bigger local salvage yards a while ago but had concerns as there were multiple negative reviews for them and little positive. I'll do some more digging. Than...

A quick follow up and a few more questions. The third mechanic echoed the other two only this time also suggesting that the electromagnetic control coupling (what I previously thought was the viscous coupling) should be replaced as well. Well I'm still mulling that, but I'm pretty sure I've decided ...

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...