Transmission bearing noise

[bosoxfan]

Hello Everyone,

I could find any information on transmission troubleshooting in this forum. About a week ago I heard a noise coming for the engine compartment when I let my foot off the accelerator. I've been chasing the 70 mph vibration, so I thought it was related. The car drives fine. I scratched my head for a while and fearing a bearing noise, I finally brought it into my mechanic who broke the news to me. The good news was the front end was tight, the engine / tranny mounts were shot (maybe this will solve the vibration), and the diagnosis was free. The bad news was that the noise was coming from the transmission ("differential section"), he doesn't do transmission rebuilds, and his last trusted transmission guy retired.

So, I'm looking for recommendations.
- I'm assuming that rebuilding is the most economical, but I don't know a transmission guy north of Boston.
- Junkyard? Do they exist anymore? It worked for me when I was 17 on mid 70s GM Turbo 350s but I'm not sure about these style transmissions.
- If I have to go new, OEM or are there any aftermarket solutions?

The good thing is that my wife knows how much I love this car. Hopefully I can swing this repair and keep the car.

Thanks a bunch,
John

[00Beast]

www.car-part.com. However, it sounds very much like the pin walked out in your differential, which is a possibly fix-able issue if you catch it soon enough. Do you have any transmission shops in the area??

[bosoxfan]

Thanks for the link. There are a few, and I just got a recommendation earlier that I'm going to call tomorrow. I'll continue to baby the car until then.

[bosoxfan]

Prognosis negative. The transmission guy drove it then put it on the lift. It didn't sound to bad when driving the car, but it sounds terrible listening to it standing under the car, like a bunch of marbles inside. He's recommending that I minimize driving and pull the transmission to see exactly what's wrong. If he opens it up he will only rebuilt the unit completely. Not to exceed $2,200 with a 2 year warranty. From a business standpoint I understand. I thought about rolling the dice with a junker, but that's going to cost at least a grand for parts and labor. Time to bite the bullet and get it done right.

Thanks for listening,
The now poorer BoSoxFan...

[00Beast]

I feel your pain. I had to put a new trans in my car 6 mos after buying it. $2400.