Front Differential Gone bad-Has this happened to anyone else

[JamaicanVibe]

So early in the game. I have a 03 AWD Vibe with 52,000 miles, no extended warranty. Two weeks ago I heard a noise coming from the right front end. I took it to the dealer. They said it was coming from my front Diff. Recommended I take it apart for $1,500 for further diagnosing. I took it to my "local mechanic" confirmed it was Diff and front the some bearing burned out in it. I would need to overhaul it for $1,800. I just want to get rid of the thing now. Unfortuately, I still have a lien on it.

[Atomb]

what was the noise?...what did it sound like?

[Rico Rose]

Sounds like a problem that a few others have had. at 107,000 miles my 2003 started making some tranny noise it turned out to be the main shaft bearing in the 5 speed gearbox. was going to cost about $1800-$2000 to fix. i started looking aruond to trade it in. looked at new Vibes and the Chevy HHR. the dealers were not too generous with trade-in $$. ranging $3500-$4000. so i went to the local Crysler dealer who gave me $5500 trade on a new PT Cruiser. it also had a $3000 rebate.

[JamaicanVibe]

Sounded like a high pitch whining noise, which got faster, but not lounder the faster I went.

[jasonvibe]

the oil in the front diff. should be checked or changed more often than recommended(60k). If you live in a warm climate. I suggest going to a 75w140 synthetic in the front and 75w90 syn. in the rear. 99% of the time the front is doing the job.

[jake75]

So this is an issue only with AWD?