5sp Tranny problem on 97 jetta, in reverse.

[1997jettaGT]

I have an 97 jetta gt with a 2.0 and 5sp manual transmission. When I put the transmission in reverse I get a clicking sound, it does not sound like a CV joint, it is much quieter. It does not click in the forward gears and it does not matter if the wheels are straight or turning. Any info would be helpful. Thanks

[miro1118]

My 96 does the same thing. I just deal with it. I've heard its a common problem.

[danray11]

I have a 97 jetta gt with 106,000 miles and have replaced 3 clutches andnever the trans.. I had to replace the bushings in the shifter linkage.. they were loose and causing the car to Fall out of reverse flat and even worse uphill.. I may have damaged my trans but for the last 5 years its been noisey in reverse.. I have heard it may be in the synchros???have SEVERAL mods thats the reason for the 3 clutches..
Cam,Cam Gear, Big Bore intake,Topspeed header,Cat back exhaust,P-chip, under drive crank pulley,cross drilled rotors(ft and rear), wings west body lit, motegi mr7 white wheels, m3 style mirrors,clear tail lights and ft bumper lenses...im the 2nd owner and bought the car stock with 32,000 miles, so i know this car mechanically inside out. done 90% of the work 2 clutches and all schulded maint.

[ctuagent117]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But eventually the whole reverse gear gonna break. your only hope is a tranny swap, and if you plan on re building the reverse gear you better do it quick, also reverse and 5th i think are entwined or something, so once reverse goes out 5th is gonna exp. some problems. I have the same problem on my 97 jetta gls. havent gotten it fixxed yet, i really should but parents gonna loose job soon

[ctuagent117]

the reverse gear is just clicking its not popping out yet? its not too late to rebuild, once it pops out than you have a very serious problem on your hands.

[ctuagent117]

Originally Posted by danray11

I have a 97 jetta gt with 106,000 miles and have replaced 3 clutches andnever the trans.. I had to replace the bushings in the shifter linkage.. they were loose and causing the car to Fall out of reverse flat and even worse uphill.. I may have damaged my trans but for the last 5 years its been noisey in reverse.. I have heard it may be in the synchros???have SEVERAL mods thats the reason for the 3 clutches..
Cam,Cam Gear, Big Bore intake,Topspeed header,Cat back exhaust,P-chip, under drive crank pulley,cross drilled rotors(ft and rear), wings west body lit, motegi mr7 white wheels, m3 style mirrors,clear tail lights and ft bumper lenses...im the 2nd owner and bought the car stock with 32,000 miles, so i know this car mechanically inside out. done 90% of the work 2 clutches and all schulded maint.

reverse has no synchro, which is why it probably broke in the first place. you have to disengage the clutch for a while before u move forward while moving back ward, just like those old hot rods, or you will grind the tranny, it may not even make a grinding sound because reverse to first has a synchro but first to reverse doesnt, so sound or no sound your grinding. you the car has two teeth, im guesing he chipped one, theres still one left.

[afrothunder]

Watch out for the transaxle (differential). Mine just blew apart putting holes in the diff housing. I had the same clicking problem. I have a 97 GT