Hi,

I ve just seen your message from the bonnevillclub.com. I think the ball bearing at the top of the strut and i'd like to replace it. I Looked at the Chilton'* manual the same as you have, but still I am confused.

Question,

Do I have to use the spring compressor for replacing the ball bearing(guys call 'plate bearing'), or can I simply replace the entire strut without changing the bearing?

What is the best way for me?

To replace the bearing you need a spring compressor. There is no way you can do the repair without one because the spring will dangerously sprong the strut mount off when you take the bolts off, and then you can't put the mount back on because you won't be able to depress the spring.

Same thing goes for replacing the strut.

The only way around it is to purchase an entire new preassembled strut/spring/bearing/plate unit. I've never seen a whole unit for sale before. Probably big $$.