The Key IMHO is to put the compressors on the strut with the strut compressed!

That is, jack the car up, take the wheel off, put a jackstand under the lower control arm, and let the car's weight compress the strut.

Put the strut compressors on and tighten then a turn or so; loosen the jesus nut on the strut (easier to do it in the car than off the car!) and remove the two nuts that hold the strut/bearing in the car. Jack up the car and roll the strut outside the fender well...you may have to release the swaybar link at the control arm.

Generally you can then remove the jesus nut but make sure the spring is compressed enough to unload the jesus nut. Then you can either clean the strut bearing or replace it. I've generally been able to clean and relube the strut bearing. If its race is severely dented (technical term is 'brinnelled') or even scored or the bearings are pitted, replace it. Look for a good strut bearing from your supplier...one with many bearings is better than one with fewer bearings.