Strut replacement

Wheel bearing never has to be removed to change a strut. The complete assembly you're referring to is the best way to do this because it restores proper ride height which is critical for good tire wear and handling even when the alignment appears to be good, but in your case obviously you must replace the spring. If the car was on a hoist, this job would take a professional about twenty minutes. Reusing the old springs would make the job take up to an hour, and you would add the danger that comes with handling a really stiff spring under compression.