I have a 98 Jetta with the 1.9 Turbo IDI diesel with 5 speed. It will pop out of reverse and it clickes very loud when moving in reverse. If I push the clutch in it still clicks but if I take it out of gear it stops. This points me to a trans problem not a cv shaft/bearing problem. Is this trans on its way out or is there some simple fix to this problem.
Reverse idler is toast

I did this job a couple years ago. Not as bad as you'd think.
You'll need to whip up a couple tools for tearing the transmission apart, but I've got pictures of those one my site. I've also got links to the online tutorials I used to do the job.
http://www.jakepalmeristheman.com/2005/08/august-30th-2005.html
i hear clicking when i put it into reverse.. and sometimes i hear a 'crunch'... doesn't bother me any... but it never pops out!
I think he's talking about "clicking" while he's backing up. A3s are more prone to chipping the reverse idler, apparently.
And be careful, "clicking", or even worse grinding, while going into reverse is what beats up the reverse idler. Only shift into reverse when you're fully stopped. Some even say to wait a second or two.
i have a few extra trannies if this one dies on me... i get grinding in 2nd sometimes... and sometimes in reverse...
i think it has to do with my high idle...
I got a 1.6 trans, will it be the same as the one that is in it? It is out of a 91 Jetta and the bad trans is in a 98 1.9L
I believe your 1.6td trans has very similar gearing compared to the mk3 diesel trans.I'm pretty sure the axle flange's are the same size.The cable driven speed sensor vs electronic I'm not sure if they still use the same drive.