03 Aztec: Rear differential going bad?

IlliniGuy1

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I took to a GM dealer. They couldn't narrow down what the problem was.
It doesn't have a normal driveshaft with U-joints like all other vehicles. It has what they call a torque converter tube, with everything enclosed. I can grab the tube/drive shaft and wiggle it back and forth. Just like a driveshaft with loose U-joints. When you put it into any gear from park, you can hear a 'clank', as the tube engages under pressure.

At low speeds, 10 to 30 mph there is a pretty loud 'werring' sound coming from the back. At first, I thought it was a rear wheel bearing going out again but it definitely is not a wheel bearing. The shop recommended replacing the entire torque tube assembly. There are no serviceable parts within the assembly. One ordered from GM, would be over $2k. (Vehicle is worth about $4k) I could also try to get it rebuilt or I can get a different one from a junk yard for a couple hundred and try it.

Any idea what it might be? Also, wondering how hard the tube/tubes come off? There's a small circle of bolts at the front transfer case and a large circle of bolts at the rear differential. Could the tube be the problem or likely the rear differential? What goes bad back there? It does not seem to be a real common problem with these but have seen a few complaints.

Any help much appreciated.
 
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