Generally ..
on any manual transmission if it's 'noisy in neutral with clutch pedal
up' ..
and 'quiet in neutral with clutch pedal pushed in' ... (engine running
of course )
   that's in indication of internal transmission damage ...
like noisy bearings or worse, when the input shaft is turning.

push the clutch in .input shaft stops turning, noise stops.
if it's doing that....usually means  clutch is OK and trans is
ferklempt.  ( fatootzed ) .

how does the magnet on the drain plug look ?
One on trans recently..of found , besides the normal amount of fine
metal particles, bearing balls.
Trans pulled for rebuilding and is happy again.
scott
www.turbovans.com

On 3/16/2013 11:15 AM, Angus Gordon wrote:
> I recently developed some transaxle trouble with my '86 Syncro.
>
> First indication was a mild/moderate difficulty in coming out of reverse. I
> then proceeded to drive a ten mile round trip, and started to detect some
> different noises toward the end. With the clutch pedal pushed in (clutch
> disengaged) things are normal. With the clutch pedal released (clutch
> engaged) I have a rattling, banging sound.
>
> Here's a recording - http://bworks.net/vw/syncrosonata.htm
>
> The first 3 seconds the clutch pedal is down, then released for 4 seconds,
> then repeated. Sorry for the poor quality, I used my phone. The engine
> doesn't really sound that bad!
>
> Transaxle oil/plug has about 40K miles since the last change (see picture).
>
> Throw-out bearing? I'm guessing an input shaft problem (bearing?) but I'd
> prefer it if someone could give me a cheaper diagnosis. :)
>
>
> Either way I guess I'll be pulling the trans this weekend. :(
>
>
> Angus
>