Play in front-right driveshaft bearing

[rloftus]

I have a 2003 Vibe, 2wd base model with 96,000 miles. I took it in for a wheel-bearing replacement and the mechanic told me that the "whoop-whoop" noise that I was hearing was because there was more play than there should be in my passenger side drive-shaft bearing. He said that as long as the acceleration feels normal and I don't see any fluid leaking that it's fine but that if it starts to leak that I'll need to have the transmission replaced. Given the age of the car he recommended if I do that I get a used transmission with similar mileage ($1600 to $1800) instead of paying $2400 for a rebuild.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this before and if you can tell me whether it's worth worrying about or if it's one of those things that happens to all Vibes eventually and I should just keep driving it and try not to worry about it?

[Chiadog]

Are you sure your mechanic is right? A transmission shaft bearing loose enough to make noise should have taken out the shaft seal and you would be loosing tranny fluid. You have checked your fluid level? Sounds more like a bent CV axle, bad CV joint, or possibly a tire problem. You should put the car up on a set of ramps yourself and see if there is noticeable play in the bearing. Make sure the car is in neutral, not Park, to relieve any load on the shaft and bearings.

[rloftus]

I did a tune-up not too long ago which included replacing my tranny fluid and I haven't noticed any leaks. I check the level fairly regularly since I changed the fluid and everything looks and feels fine.

The tires are Goodyear Nordics so they make a lot of noise anyways.

I'm thinking maybe I should just try not to worry about it so long as I don't see any puddles in the garage.