bearings in differential coming apart?

[panichica]

has anyone else had this problem? i have an 04 Vue, manual, 2.2 L, 4 cyl with under 80K miles. it appears that the bearings in differential are coming apart per mechanics' observation.

the symptoms are: when you turn on the car you hear a thud (like someone kicks it), then when driving and putting into gear it goes into gear but it makes a grinding sound at every shift (sort of like when after stopping at a light you then start driving again in second gear when you should've used the first gear and the car gurgles?) i hope that makes sense.

has anyone had this problem before on such few miles? since i bought this vue i've had to replace the following:

1. front and rear hub assemblies/ bearings (all) (started to need replacement @ 25K miles thru 44K miles when all were finally replaced by dealer @ no charge to me.)
2. rotor assembly (front, both) @ 25K miles
3. hub assembly (front wheel, right) @ 25K miles

is any of this related. i am not sure that i understand all of this, so if anyone can help me with some info, i would greatly appreciate it. should i also take it to the dealer for an inspection? is there any possibility this could be covered under warranty or recall somehow?

thanks, guys. i appreciate any info you can give me as i really need to get this car working soon. :usa:

[ssicarman]

Welcome to the Board.

If your car is still under warranty then it is covered bumper to bumper. If out of warranty then you are on the hook for the repairs.

Assuming you mean the front diff in the trans???

[panichica]

thank you for responding. i assume it is the front differential in the transmission as you mentioned, but i will confirm that tomorrow. is there something else that could cause these symptoms? and is this a common occurence at around 80K miles? just wondering. in looking at my warranty info, it looks like the standard saturn warranty is 36K...correct? ouch :dizzy:! i'm way past that number.

what is normally replaced during this type of problem? and what is the average repair co$t?

thank you!

[IMkenNY]

Is it possible the clutch isnt fully disengaging (clutch slave pistons have been known to act up in the Vue)?

Does the clutch pedal feel normal?

[panichica]

great question. the clutch does seem normal other than the weird sound while shifting. the mechanic did mention that he saw pieces of something? when he was checking (maybe in the fluid?).

also, i was able to confirm that my mechanic believes it is the front diff on the transmission, but has not taken it apart (doesn't do transmissions). he is an honest and trustworthy guy. i'm just trying to see if anything "cheaper" could be causing this problem. he said that it would have to be taken apart and put in new bearings, bushings, and seals.

thanks.:usa:

[Gerry Proctor]

Sounds like the sprag is coming apart. That's about the only thing that will make a grinding noise under load.

[panichica]

thanks for the info. what is the sprag? :dizzy:

[panichica]

i decided to take it to the dealer in case it was still under some sort of warranty or recall. they've always been fair with us, just more expensive, but fair. it turns out that the technician "found rocks in transmission mount, causing pulsation and noise". total cost $0 :yes:. no need for transmi$$ion work.

thank you, Lord Jesus, for taking care of us. you are Awesome -- God! woo hoo!!!

thanks also to everyone that gave input. i appreciate it. and thank you to my honest dealer. i'll be noting that in my survey response and thank you letter to Saturn.

www.wayofthemaster.com