Noisy Rear Diff on '03 Vibe

[th3fr4nchi5e]

So, I bought new tires for my 2003 AWD Vibe this weekend. Mounted them today and replaced the front left wheel bearing which I found was shot yesterday. I was hoping one of these would fix the speed related noise Ive been having for the last couple thousand miles. Driving with the seats down today, it was clear the noise is coming from the rear end. The rear seal does leak very slowly and Has been topped off twice, once recently but adding fluid doesnt cure or improve the sound. I think the rear end definitely needs to be rebuilt. A new or used one is not an option as the prices I have seen are not in a range I am willing to pay. I am going to rebuild the rear diff but am not able to find any info on rebuilding. I have read the labor is excessive but that is not an issue. Saving $1000+ is worth the headaches, imo. I have not been able to find any info on rebuilding or if anyone has identified the failure parts causing the noise. I will check that my noise is not just a sloppy U-joint or something when I have the car back on the lift Wednesday. If anyone has rebuilt or knows anything about rebuilding the rear ends in these cars, can it be done without dropping the rear end? Is there a certain place that is best to buy rebuild parts from?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys,
Dave

[th3fr4nchi5e]

UPDATE: Put the car back on the lift today and the stethoscope showed a noisy right rear wheel bearing. Replaced and rear end noise is gone! Huge relief not having to rebuild the diff. New tires and two new wheel bearings have the car driving great!It was pretty cool to see all 4 wheels spinning away with it in drive on the lift. Also changed the oil and filter and shes ready for a 1400 mile trip to Charlotte, NC and back this weekend. The Vibe is set for yet another adventure.

116200 and counting!

[SeattleJeremy]

That is good to read that it was just the wheel bearing.

seal does leak very slowly

You gotta get this fixed, before you do actually blow the rear end.

[th3fr4nchi5e]

seal does leak very slowly

You gotta get this fixed, before you do actually blow the rear end.

Been checking and topping off regularly. Ill replace the seal and maybe any potential trouble parts in a couple months once my summer car is out of storage!