shocks

[vwray]

instructions needed on how to change front shocks on my 2002 tdi pd gt 130, i`ve changed lots of shocks before but not on a golf, in my haynes manual says you need to take the hub off and disconect the drive shaft ,is correct.or is it simply dissconect the top and bottom and slide out.

hope some one can help MOT monday, cheers

[Crasher]

The nearside front is quite easy but you will need a tool to go in between the split sections of the strut to gently open it up (VW tool 3424), then the hub can be tapped down with a soft face mallet and some releasing fluid will help. The offside is the problem. When the hub has been tapped down as far as possible, you will find the drive shaft has hit the subframe with about 20-mm of strut still left in the hub. I have a gearbox lift that I use to slightly compress the spring from under the strut to give a little more room. When fitting a lowering kit, these usually come with 40-mm shortened dampers which mean they go back together a lot easier. You will find it necessary to drop the ball joint out of the wishbone to allow you enough room and you will also have to release the hub centre nut and push the CV joint through. The hub nut must be replaced as it is a one time only and there is a very specific tightening sequence to avoid wheel bearing problems later. Alternatively you could disconnect the drive shaft from the gearbox instead, whichever you prefer.