Replacing rear shock absorbers on B5 1.9tdi Estate

[alpenweiss2]

Hello all

I am planning on replacing the rear shock absorbers on our 1999 1.9 TDI Wagon as the bump stops are knackered and the OE shocks are old.

I have purchased a pair of Meyle Gas shocks and a set of new Monroe bump stops and plastic covers.

I was reading how to do the job in the Haynes manual and it states that the bottom mounting bolt and nut for the shock absorber should be renewed.

Is this entirely necessary or can I reuse the existing bolt and nut? I say this as we are located in deepest rural France and getting new bolts will be tricky.