For starters,Happy New Year and thanks for all the help I’ve received on this forum. I’m sorry to say that if I have to replace the bearing in the transmission I will make the decision to either get rid of the car or drive it until it breaks. Love the car but can’t justify the time and expense of dropping everything out. I’ve checked the bearing in question as much as possible by getting my fingers in and looking for play or slop or rough turning and can’t find anything. I can’t believe that the inner race that carries the axle would wear because it turns with the axle and there is no discoloration or galling on the race or axle. Thanks again to everyone.

 

Bad bearings make noise. Bad seals leak. Too much vibration makes noise and kills seals. I think you are having unwarranted angst.

 

I have to say, just drive it and don’t worry about it, if the seal isn’t leaking .