My '94 Golf has started to make a sound.  I sounds like a popsicle stick in the spokes of a bike wheel.  I think that it is coming from the front left side.  I feel the sound in my clutch pedal and also in the gearshift.  It only makes that sound when I release the accelerator pedal, such as when downshifting, coming to a stop, going down a hill (or any other such instance where I am not pushing the accelerator pedal).  The sound slows down as I come to a stop as well.  It doesn't increase or decrease while turning (as a CV joint would do).

Wheel bearing?  Something gone awry in the bellhousing (clutch, pressure plate, etc.)?  Low on transmission dope?  CV joint after all?

I have had this feeling that the clutch was needing to be serviced at some point.  Any knowledgable or informed guesses as to what this would be before I take it to the man, i.e., dealership? :?:

My bet would be on the CV joint. I think you can buy a complete axle with new CV joints fairly cheap. Russ had to replace his on his Jetta back in the summer. He can give you cost info or call one of the parts stores. I'm thinking he bought his at Auto Zone and I think they came with a guarantee.

Lamar's old Jetta made that same noise they whole time he had it.  I think he replaced all that stuff on the front and it still made the noise.   :?

Have you tried jacking the front end and spinning the tire to see if you still hear the noise?  It could be an inboard CV, which wouldn't change with steering and would be close enough to be felt through the shifter and pedal.

No, but I will when I can.  I thought about that after I wrote about it not making the noise that a worn CV joint would make.

Had read in my manual that a noise would arise from the speedometer drive bolted into the transmission if the transmission dope was low.  To check it, I need a big star-shaped bit to remove the drive and see how far up the level is on the gear.  Looked through my tools...don't have one that big.

Thanks y'all.  And thanks, campdoc, for the offer of putting it up on a lift!  If I was a little closer...