VW Jetta Diesel Shocks. The terms struts and shocks are both used to describe your suspension. The VW Jetta Diesel shocks (struts) are inside the coil springs and they are the main part of the suspension, in fact the assembly holds up the car. To replace the VW Jetta Diesel shocks only, you have to take the spring and shock assemblies off the car and then disassemble them. Don't replace things unnecessarily, but it may be easier to replace the entire unit as an assembly. The entire shock assemblies can be taken off with a few bolts and no special tools. To take the assemblies apart, you will need a spring compressor. We can help you either way.