My Golf 4 is now 18 years old and the struts are just shot. The wear is clearly visible at the back, and the front isn't any better. I wanted to do it myself - do I need special tools or can I manage with normal equipment?
Get yourself a coilspring compressor - that's the only special tool you really need, and it won't break the bank. You use it to compress the spring so you can take the strut apart. Without that thing it gets really problematic, because the spring tension can hit you hard otherwise. Other than that, regular tools like a socket set, ratchet and a pry bar are enough.
The front is pretty straightforward: wheel off, lift the brake caliper up (don't rip it off), then the three bolts at the top in the engine bay. Two bolts at the bottom on the suspension - done. The rear is similar, but you also have to loosen the strut. Important: bleed the shock absorbers first or compress the springs beforehand, otherwise the car will settle down while you're working on it. A lift is handy, but you can do it with a jack and jack stands too - just safer.
When you put it back together, don't mix up the left and right sides. Position the spring correctly, or it'll rattle when you drive later. After that, get a wheel alignment done or at least have the toe checked, since you've been working up there pretty heavily. Get replacement parts from an auto parts shop - doesn't have to be OEM quality, but the cheapest garbage won't work.
It's doable, but don't underestimate how much work it is. On the front, you definitely need a spring compressor - this isn't an optional tool, it's absolutely necessary unless you're looking for a death wish. A compressor costs around 40 - 60 euros at hardware stores, or you can rent one, which is often cheaper. Then you've got your basic tools: socket set, wrenches, jack, and wheel chocks. Make sure your jack is stable enough - better to use two and secure them properly. The rear on a Golf 4 is a bit more relaxed since the springs are easier to access, but up front you really need to take your time and not rush through it.
When you're removing the top connections at the body, there are usually rubber sleeves that have seized up - spray those with penetrating oil beforehand, let it soak for a couple of minutes. The mounting bolts on an 18-year-old car are probably slightly corroded, so factor in time for that too. Remember to take the wheels off first, then jack up the car - a lot of people forget that and get frustrated for no reason. After installation you should get a wheel alignment done, especially if you're also replacing the tie rods. If you don't have experience with this, I'd recommend doing the whole thing with someone who's done it before - with the rear springs you can make more mistakes, but up front it's critical.
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