Volvo Repair: 1994 Volvo 850 Wagon, volvo 850 wagon, strut assembly

Question
Regarding the Struts:
I have seen several volvo front strut describes that mention that the part does not include the strut tube. I have replaced many struts in the past, but never one that did not involve simply compressing the spring and removing the strut assy. Please help!

Regarding the air conditioner/heater blower (fan).
It is a squeling due to a bad bearing and is a bit more expensive than I prefer. Do you know of any way of repairing it. I am a mechanical engineer with access to a machine shop.  

Answer
1.the 850 strut will not be a cartridge type it will be the whole strut with the spring seat.you will need to remove the strut and compress the spring then replace the strut assembly.

2.I have never tried to repair one so I can not say what you may be able to do to fix it.you may be able to get a bearing for it.