rear axle bearing and seal replacement

Hi,
97 GMC K1500 XCab with the factory locker diff.
I'm fairly certain that a rear wheel bearing is starting to go.
I know there are c-locks inside the diff on the axles, but the shop manual says "Use GM tool :p/n xxxx to pull the seal then xxxx to pull the bearing out of the axle housing. Are these GM pullers absolutely necessary?:confused:
I will probably start the job to see how it looks in there.
Thanks for help and advice,
Bob B

You can pop the seal out with the end of the axle, a pry bar, or a screwdriver. The bearing is a lot easier with a slide hammer and a bearing remover. The new bearing can be installed with a seal/race driver.

You can pop the seal out with the end of the axle, a pry bar, or a screwdriver. The bearing is a lot easier with a slide hammer and a bearing remover. The new bearing can be installed with a seal/race driver.

Sounds good, Thank you
Bob B

If you have a long metal rod/pipe you can push them out by sliding the rod/pipe in at one side to push out the other side. Just be sure to keep the carrier shims in the correct location (side).

seal comes a out easy and as us southern boys like to do we like to cut stuff up ha ha so i found best to take a cuttin torch and split the bearing in 2 halves and out comes the bearing! Just be careful not to cut your rear housing in 2 halves