2009 Vibe AWD - Differential Leaking

[Petrucci914]

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I've posted!

My fiance' has a 2009 Vibe AWD that she got about 10 months ago. Shortly after she got it I recommended that she get the transmission flushed and differential fluid changed since it was never done before and it had about 60k miles on it. A few weeks ago I noticed some drops in the garage and put two and two together and told her to bring it back in to have it looked at and ensure things were done correctly when the differential fluid was changed. The shop came back and said that 2 of the 3 seals on the differential are bad and need to be replaced. They quoted her roughly $700 for the job......$500 of which is just labor.

My questions:
1. Is it worth trying some stop-leak in the differential? Some White Shepherd or something? Recommendations?
2. Is this a job worth attempting on my own (with my father's assistance)?
3. Is there a manual leaked out there that goes through the process on how to do this? I'm guessing the drive shaft has to be removed and all that good stuff. I looked for a Haynes manual but couldn't find one for 2009+ Vibes that explicitly covered AWD situations.

I'm so surprised that this would have happened already on this vehicle.

Thanks!

[jake75]

When did GM go to the 5 yr /100,000 mile drivetrain warranty? Probably not in 2009.

[Petrucci914]

When did GM go to the 5 yr /100,000 mile drivetrain warranty? Probably not in 2009.

It does have that warranty but we called one GM Dealership and they said it doesn't cover the differential. I did some research online and it looks like it is covered based on the literature I read. I'm going to call another dealership and find out.

[Salsa Guy]

That sounds steep. Check out a different shop. It cost me only $200 with parts for two seals.