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1997 Volkswagen Jetta Makes noise when in Reverse

Tiny
COWGRRL1490
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 13,000 MILES
I have fixed just about everything on this car that I thought could possibly make any noise. I replaced both axles thinking it would cure the problem and it didn't. Here's my problem when I back up it makes a clunking noise. If I take it out of reverse it stops making the noise. I have had the car a little over a year and a half and it was like this when I bought it. The noise hasn't gotten worse or gone away. I had a VW mechanic look at it and he said it wasn't the transmission, but he couldn't tell me what it was. He suggested jacking the car up and spinning the wheels to see if anything hit that could make the noise, but it didn't. Could it be the motor/transmission mounts?
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Wednesday, August 19th, 2009 AT 12:14 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
MIKE.SHRUM
  • MECHANIC
  • 43 POSTS
If it were the mounts I would think it would lunge as it was being backed up. Can you describe the noise
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 12:33 AM
Tiny
COWGRRL1490
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I replaced the mounts and it didn't fix the problem. The noise is kind of a constant click when in reverse. It kind of sounds like something hitting metal? I don't really know how else to explain it.

I jacked the car up so that the wheels were free to spin and put it in reverse. The noise sounded like it was coming from the differential. When the CV Joints started to spin thats when the noise started.
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 12:52 PM
Tiny
MIKE.SHRUM
  • MECHANIC
  • 43 POSTS
Does speedo jump around?
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 1:53 PM
Tiny
COWGRRL1490
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Nope, it doesn't jump around.
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
MIKE.SHRUM
  • MECHANIC
  • 43 POSTS
I would say cv joints but you already placed them. So I would have to lean to tranny. Sorry I couldnt help more I will ask some of the other techs what they think tomorrow I work for a vw dealership
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 10:04 PM
Tiny
COWGRRL1490
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes, I did put brand new CV Joints in it. Not Rebuilt! The VW Mechanic I talked to said he didn't think it was the transmission. It makes sense that it wouldn't be because I have driven it for almost 2 yrs, as is, and nothing has changed. The transmission was replaced about 40k ago and I have put 30 on it and it made the noise when I bought it.

Do you think it could be in the differential? I have talked to a lot of other people who don't think tranny either. It sounds like the noise is coming from the differential. I am wondering if there isn't a spline or something that is worn out in there. But don't know enough about it to check.

My other thought is that maybe the front end is out of alignment just enough to somehow put those cv joints in a bind when it backs? Is that possible?

Thanks for your help.
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 10:10 PM
Tiny
GEARBOX TECH
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Your problem is either a broken or bent tooth on the reverse idler this a common problem
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Sunday, September 6th, 2009 AT 4:08 PM

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