Replacing rear IRS bearing

I want to replace the rear bearing in the IRS trailing arms. I have everything out but the ball bearing assembly on the inside of the arm. From what I have read they just get taped out by placing a punch through the arm on the outer edge of the bearing race but they won

While I've heard that others have managed to get those bearings out with a punch and a stout hammer, I've never been able to manage it (they're in there really tight).

I've always had to pull the trailing arm and press them out with an arbor press, then press the new ones in.

gn

If my memory serves me corectly, there's a snap ring on the inboard side (buried in the grease) that gets removed, the bearing will then slide out inward.

There are also notches that let you get a better bite on the bearing race. Go from one side to the other, tapping firmly. Use a good puch and a 3 # hammer. It will drive out. I used a hole saw to cut a wood block to use with a bearing puller to reinstall it, pulling from the other side and gently tapping them in. Pack them well and they will last antother 20 years.

Thanks everyone for your replies. I was under the impression that the bearing and seal on the inboard side where one unit but if there not then it make sense that there could be a snap ring between the two. Glad I stopped to ask the question. Found this diagram that shows the snap ring in question.

http://www.1800vw.bizhosting.com/0.suspension_rear.irs.htm