changing rear wheel bearings

Hi all,
I need to change my rear driver side wheel bearing on my 97 Jeep GC and I have a Chilton's manual to do it. I just want to know if anyone's messed with them personnally and if so, what tips you can give me so I'm not breaking anything that shouldn't be broke. I have purchased both inner and outer seals and the bearing. I have access to a garage with tools and lifts. How can you tell if the Axl is bad (if it's not too obvious with holes in it)? I have been driving on this bad bearing for a little while now.

And if this is one of those jobs that an amatuer should not do....please let me know that before I decide to tear into it.

Thanks ALL!

The hard part is to remove the bearing and race. Ive done them without the bearing removal tool much easier with the tool. You should be able to tell if your axle is bad looking at it and checking it for warp by rolling the shaft on a level plate or table. If you have access to the Garage and tools you should be able to do it with out too much trouble.

The guy at the store I bought the parts from said something about having to heat up the retainer ring in order for it to fit and then allow it to cool inside so it expands and seals. I don't know if what he said was recommended or even required. I also don't think that they have that tool there.

The procedure isn't too bad really. Just have a good bearing puller or LOTS of harsh language ready when you start. Getting the C-clip out in the differential is a little tricky but not too bad. I doubt your axle is damaged. Cheers.

Thanks Traktor! HA HA Oh, I'm sure I'll be cussin' up a storm tomorrow when I change it. So I guess I just have to work it out by muscle? I doubt that the axle is damaged myself. Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll be sure to let you all know what I thought of my first wheel bearing change. *YUCK* But I'll be happy to get rid of that damn grinding sound.