I also am no expert but I have that pump, I think mine had been returned before I got it. I'd experienced intermittenet noise and vibration at the fan end (not like you describe) and in a little over a year, the shaft seal started leaking. When I took it apart to replace the shaft seal, I found the end plate of the motor (fan end) detached from the motor housing and the long screws that are supposed to hold it in place were not to be found. I tapped the plate back into the housing, gently reinstalled the pump. Runs smooth and quiet now like it should.

Sound to like Leslie's Pool Supplies should fix / replace your pump.