What you'll need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely crucial for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Wrench set (metric): You'll need various sizes for bolts and nuts.
* Sockets and ratchets: For easier access to fasteners.
* Torque wrench: To tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Improper torque can damage components.
* Strut compressor: Essential for safely compressing the strut assembly. Improper compression can cause injury and damage the strut. Rent one if you don't own one.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): Helps loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* New upper strut bearing: Make sure you get the correct part for your 1998 Chevrolet Venture. The part number will be on the old bearing or you can find it using your VIN at an auto parts store.
* Shop manual: Highly recommended. A shop manual will give you detailed instructions specific to your vehicle, including torque specifications and component locations.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
General Steps (Consult your shop manual for precise details):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks.
2. Raise and Support: Safely raise the vehicle using the jack and secure it on jack stands.
3. Remove Wheel: Remove the wheel from the affected side.
4. Disconnect Components: Disconnect the brake caliper, sway bar link, and any other components attached to the strut assembly. These steps will vary slightly depending on the exact location of the strut assembly. Support the brake caliper to avoid straining the brake line.
5. Remove Strut Assembly: Remove the nuts and bolts securing the strut assembly to the vehicle's body. You might need to separate the strut from the spindle.
6. Compress Strut: Carefully compress the strut using the strut compressor. This is crucial to remove the upper strut mount and bearing.
7. Replace Bearing: Once compressed, you can remove the old upper strut bearing and install the new one.
8. Reassemble: Reassemble the strut assembly in reverse order. Make sure everything is properly aligned and torqued to the correct specification.
9. Lower Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack.
10. Test Drive: Perform a test drive to check for proper handling and any unusual noises.
Important Considerations:
* Rust and seized components: Older vehicles often have rusted or seized bolts, making this job more challenging.
* Strut condition: While you're in there, inspect the rest of the strut assembly. It might be wise to replace the entire strut assembly if it shows signs of wear.
* Alignment: After replacing the upper strut bearing, it's highly recommended to have a wheel alignment performed.
Recommendation: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper repair can lead to unsafe driving conditions. The cost of labor to have this done professionally might be less than the cost of replacing parts damaged due to an improper repair.
