Is it necessary to replace the pilot bearing?
#2
Correct Tools
If you have the correct tools a blind hole puller and pilot bearing install tool it is a 5 minute process, if you dont have the correct tools, then YES it is a PITA and you can damage other things, Sometimes it is hard to invest $$ in tools that you only use once every blue moon, so the other route is to rent them for free at a parts house like AutoZone they have a nice blind hole puller and pilot tool that they will loan out. G/L