Honda Repair: 1992 Honda Accord Transaxle bearing, automatic transaxle, cv joints

Question
The bearing on the driver's side of the automatic transaxle (that the splined shaft of the inner CV joint fits in) appears to be worn. It makes a constant scraping sound and vibrates quite loudly at freeway speeds. I removed the driveaxle and can wiggle the bearing with my finger (about a millimeter of play). The transmission doesn't seem to have any problems shifting yet, but the car has just over 160,000 miles on it. The CV joints appear to be in good shape (no cracks or leaking from the boots, no rattling or clicking)

I would like to know what my best option is at this point.

Is it at all possible to replace these bearings with out removing/disassembling the transaxle?

If not, is it actually economical to remove the transaxle myself and take it to a shop? Or should I just take the whole car in?

Is there significant danger to the rest of the transaxle or driveaxle by driving with the bearing so worn? (it's been wearing for a few months now) What I'm getting at here is can I just drive it for a few more months while I deliberate my options (maybe changing the fluid every month or something to clean out the metal filings from the bearing)

At 160,000 miles maybe the transaxle is close to kicking the bucket anyway. Would it be better to just get a new transaxle?

And of course, the most important question: How much is all this going to cost me?

Thank you for any advice you can offer.

Answer
Hello,

Sounds like your differential bearing is going bad. Changing the fluid will not really help. Yes you do need to remove and disassemble the trans to access it. I can't really give you a price. That all depends on where you take the car to get fixed. You need to make a few calls and see what they charge to replace the trans.
If you want to remove it yourself, you can and you will save some money. As long as you have the tools and feel comfortable doing it. If you let the bearing go and keep driving, you will do more damage to the trans.
I would take it to a shop first and let them diagnose your problem. Who knows, it may not even be a trans noise you are hearing.
Gene/Master ASE technician