noisy g'box.. any history ?

Hej..
I have a 2000 GL 1.6 Manual Golf (Aust.), has around 38K's on it. I've noticed in the last few weeks a hig pitched squeal on takeoff which i'm thinking is the release bearing pooping itself, however, the last few mornings i've noticed what sounds like chattering bearings from the g'box when i coast. ie. take my foot off the accelerator in 1st or second and coast (overrun).. is there any experience of problems with the g'boxes on these cars.. do they end up getting noisy.. is this normal.. or should i take the thing back and swap it for a GTi
Craig
i'm used to alfa's that rattle.. not break