W124 rear knuckle/bearing carrier removal?

[89-300ce]

I've got a noisy rear wheel bearing and will attempt to remove the knuckle assembly and bring it to a machine shop to R&R the wheel bearing.

From the PelicanParts tech article

"You do not need to remove the axle from the wheel hub before you start but I recommend you press the axle out or at least break its hold on the wheel hub before you loosen or remove everything. If you remove the knuckle and the axle is stuck to the hub it is a pain to get a puller on it later. Please see our article on axle removal for further assistance."


Is there enough room/play in the axle shafts to rear differenial to press the axle out of the carrier? I'd hate to press on the axle with the puller and have the axle damage my differential.

Thanks
Jorg