Rear driveshaft/carrier bearing-Can I Do This Myself/PICS!!!

[knac1234]

Hi all-

Just returned from the LR dealer having 2 recalls done on the 04 Freelander (28K miles).

Of course, Murphy's law, they found something that needed attention (very nice about it, and let me look under the car at the issue, which is legitimate).

The rear driveshaft's carrier bearing is shot (driveshaft has some play in it as the rubber surrounding it is deteriorated).

They said:

We have had some success in replacing the carrier bearing bit and using a machine shop to press it onto the driveshaft.....around $600.

If this idea fails, the only alternative is to replace the driveshaft (not much labor charge, but $3K+ for a new one or if I am lucky around $1K for a used one).

I have included pics of the affected area.




Freelander problem 2 picture by knac1234 - Photobucket
Freelander problem picture by knac1234 - Photobucket


My questions are:
-There's a lot of clearance and access so this is good....how hard is it to remove the rear driveshaft and this carrier bearing (bracket that I have circled)?
-Do I need special tools?
-I would love to be able to remove it; buy this new bit; take it to a machine shop myself; and reinstall?

What do you think??? If you've done it and have some good step by step, I'll take it!

Thanks!
Julian