bad differential bearings...major dough???

[sjr8ut]

I finally found out what was causing highway speed vibrations on my '94 1.8L 4spd auto that I recently purchased. I took it to the dealership and they said there is too much play where the CV axles go into the trans caused by bad differential bearings. He said that they could switch out the trans for a rebuilt for around $3000. I asked him what he would do if he were in my shoes, and he said that he would try to offload the vehicle on someone else. The car only has 62k miles, and I don't feel comfortable selling to someone without telling them what is wrong with it, and there is no way that I can get back what I bought it for if I do tell...so what can I do?
Does anyone know what is involved in changing the bearings (does the tranny have to be removed, etc.), or about how much it would cost to get done at a trans repair shop? Also, what could cause the bearings to fail after only 62K? Is something else wrong as well?
Any help would be appreciated...I am totally bummed about this. I thought that I was getting a good deal on the car but I was wrong!

[mistersooty]

I recently had the differential go out on my 93 Auto. Known weak spot. Took out the trans. as well. The shop wanted ~$3k for a trans. and diff. I had them put in used for ~$800. That was 10k miles ago. Have had no problems so far.

Depends on what you want to do with the car. If it's just a driver ask about a used trans./diff. If it's your baby then go with rebuilt or order from Toyota.

[sjr8ut]

Thanks for the reply--I opted to buy a salvaged tranny from a '96 prizm and am paying a guy to put it in my '94. I hope it fits. The '96 tranny is from a wreck that only had 1k miles on it.
I'll post if it works.

[mistersooty]

Cool. Hope it saves you some $ too.

[sjr8ut]

Yeah, it should save me some money. The trans cost $200 at a salvage yard and I found someone to put it in for $250. I hope that it works!

[sjr8ut]

I need serious help with this one--I am about to drive this car off a cliff!
I got my trans replaced with a salvaged one--having been told that the vibration I was feeling at highway speed was due to a bad differential bearing. After replacing the trans, the problem is still there!
I have put on new CV axles, switched tires/rims, and now switched transmissions--and the vibration persists! It happens at 65 mph and up and it oscillates. It feels like it is coming from the drivers' side front tire but I could be mistaked. It almost feels like I am driving over a rumble strip or rough pavement. The wheel bearings have been inspected by multiple places and are OK. The driver side wheel bearing/hub was replaced a few thousand miles ago before I bought the car.
Does anyone have any ideas? I would be very grateful.
Could a bad strut or brake rotor cause this problem?

[thehoot]

Might be a stupid question, but have you had the wheels balanced?!? and the play in the tranny is normal, the lock rings on the cv shaft keep it in place. Double check the CV shaft, aftermarket parts are really crappy compared to toyota parts. and most are rebuilt.