99 CRV mnl rear grind--NOT the differential

[PainterAndPoet]

99 Honda CR/V manual tranmission
Let me preface...the problem is not remotely likely with the differential, which the mechanic has replaced twice; therefore not the fluid, either.

It's not the brakes. Have had those checked by my mechanic and an another independent brake specialist.

First noise was an occasional quick grind..."rrrrrruh"...on clutching/shifting from 3rd to 4th or 4th to 5th--so, not at low speeds.

Second noise was more insistent, but similar grind when braking going downhill even when just applying brakes without clutching--downhill straight or around curves.

Had the differential replaced, noises came back plus a constant whining at highway speeds. Had differential replaced again (with younger one), whining gone, but 1st & 2nd noises slowly got worse over several weeks.

Realized that at first the noises only start up after car had been driven a bit...first it was 10 - 20 miles, now is 1 mile or less.

Noise when braking sounds like metal spinning/hitting metal--definitely rotational and slows down as the car slows, then ceases when car is at full stop (or when brake released).

Today, my mechanic took the car to a Honda dealer, who says it's the differential (hah). My mechanic has refunded all the $$ for the differential changes...in cash.

Both clutching & braking noises seem related to the stress of slowing down...not at all the low-speed problems described by others. Cables of some sort? Axle?

Any help would be appreciated. Although the car has 140K on it, I love it dearly, and have had no other major problem.