How to change Shocks on 2001 Golf

My procedure removing front shocks:

• Before I raise the car and place on jack stands, I loosen the top nut on the strut bearing. If you don't have an air gun to remove the nut there are tools available from online tool shops. A 1/2" drive breaker bar is attached on top of the tool while an allen wrench seen in the middle counter acts the by holding the strut in place.

• Remove bolts that secure the swaybar to the control arm.
• Use this tool to remove the tie roHow to change Shocks on 2001 Golf - f1c8d52.jpgt with this tool.
• With a automatic center punch tool, mark three reference points on the lower control arm ball joint flange (not on control arm. This will help line up the ball joint to the control arm without messing alignment putting back together.
• Remove the 3 bolts that secure the ball joint to the control arm and wiggle out the ball joint and the wheel bearing housing away from the control arm.
  
• Remove the large bolts that secure the strut to the wheel bearing assembly, this will somewhat loosen the hold on the strut.
• With a long pry bar or a long pipe wedged on the control arm, position it when the time comes you need to counter act downwards.
• On the wheel bearing assembly where the strut is buried, there will be a slot which you need a 1/4" drive extension attached to a 1/4" ratchet wedged into the slot.
• Crank the ratchet slowly until it spreads the slot securely and wide enough to release the strut assembly.
• With the strut separated from bearing assy. secure the strut from dropping and loosen the top nut above the strut bearing, remove strut from vehicle.