Volkswagen Repair: 1995 jetta transmission, volkswagen manuals, teardown

Question
The reverse gear makes a loud grinding noise when put into reverse. All the other gears work fine. Do I need to replace just the reverse gear, or do I need to replace the whole transmission? What should I look for to figure the problem out?

Answer
Hi Anthony;
Unless you, or your mechanic/technician are VERY proficient at Volkswagen manuals in particular, just get a whole new transmission.  Everyone, mostly you will be happier with the repair.  With the labor charges, you pay for an "R&R."(remove, and replace).  You don't pay another 14 to 20 hours for splitting the case, and teardown, and rebuild.  It might be more!!!  R&R is 8 or less.  Even if the part is 35 cents, the labor difference is too much to pay.  At our dealership, we have 3, or 4 guys who can, but only warranty has the pockets deep enough to pay.  Everybody does R&R.  Besides, there may be a used transmission available for even less than a rebuilt one, and that's a savings too.  Good luck, Anthony.  I hope this helps.