I decided to service the transmission in the Golf today and discoverd the pervious owner or service shop had decided a transmission fluid filter was optional. LMAO!
Really, WTF are people thinking sometimes???

While I was under the car I decided to search for the source of the clanking it's exhibiting under braking. It was pretty clear that the driver's side control arm bushing was toast, so I did a search on an online parts store expecting to spend big money. I was quite surprised to find both control arms, tie rods, and ball joints for only $90 shipped! Damn, what a steal