Completely cleaning the inner bearing parts requires removing the seal, and it will almost certainly be deformed in the process. If deformed only a little, it should be considered junk, so why bother being too careful - you'll only waste time. The seal will come out easily with a little forcing, and the new one needs to be installed by applying very even pressure on the circumference, to avoid damage. A slightly distorted seal will admit water, and the bearings will be destroyed quickly then.

Steve

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'91 MB 190E 2.3
'08 RAV4 Ltd 3.5
'83 Lazy Daze m'home 5.7