2011 Aveo - Need help with right front bearing - shaft - strut - etc.

[LJPatzius]

Hi Guys, I have a 2011 Aveo with manual transmission, and I have a busted right front bearing that needs replacing. The pic shows where I'm at right now.

I've checked this site out for the bearing replacement posts but all I can find is how they did it with the shaft already removed. And I also checked for shaft removal (and learned that it "pops out") but I couldn't find a post that details shaft removal PLUS what to do with the steering knuckle, suspension, components and everything else that seems in the way, etc.

So I proceeded with removing the steering linkage (and accidentally punctured the grease boot ) then I just got started to remove the strut's clamping bolts (as shown in the pic) and noticed the top one is VERY tight. It won't spin or hammer out of the strut clamp unless I use brute force and breaker bar. It won't hammer out too easily. Am I right in suspecting extreme pressure from the strut's coil spring?

So before I go any farther, I figured I'd better ask a few questions!

1) Am I wrong at removing everything in sight to get the drive shaft out of the steering knuckle assembly? Or, is it possible to remove (or install) the drive shaft with the knuckle, steering linkages, ball joints, struts, etc. all in place?

2) In other words... What exactly do I disassemble, to remove the drive shaft?

3) If I remove the strut's clamp bolts, (as shown in the pic) will the strut's coil spring expand with dangerous force? (I'll purchase a coil compression tool if I have to.)

Thanks so much in advance, for any helpful advice, tips etc!

Lee