i jus bought a 1996 jetta. it all felt fine, now suddenly i have a chatter in reverse, (sounds like a chainsaw). and i can HARDLY get it into reverse.
clutch was replaced three years ago. why could this be happening?

 

Welcome to the forum.

Chatter in reverse, (sounds like a chainsaw) you mean the gears grind when you select reverse?

You say the clutch was replaced three years ago? Well clutches will only last as long as the driver doesn't abuse them, whats the mileage done in 3 years.

You could check that the hydraulics are working ok, you could try bleed it and see if it makes it better.

Could you please add your car spec to your signature then users won't need to ask everytime?

 

it sounds like the gears are grinding but i know i have it in reverse, my brother drove it to school and back every week day since the clutch was done. (a 45 min drive.) checked hydraulics and transmission fluid, since i also have issues getting it into second. i dont know the mileage when it was done, but right now its sittin at 244,000 km.