Wheel bearing and CV joint replacement

I have to replace the outer left front CV joint on my 2001 Jetta, it's really noisy. I haven't located any threads on replacing the CV, but also, does the wheel bearing need to be replaced (it's only 6 months old), because of the stress of pushing the axle out of it.. I understand wheel bearings don't like to have any stress put on the center racing.

Once the clip is removed, the drive axle slide right out. No need to mess with the wheel bearings when replacing a half-shaft.

thanks for the reply, I haven't pulled it apart yet. that comes in the morning so I've not seen what's in store..
I'll be getting into it in the morning

Terry

Just make sure you do not put the wheel on the ground without the CV joint inplace, thats what will kill the main bearing. Just pulling the CV joint should not hurt anything.