2000 A6 2.7T front wheel bearing replacement

[Dave Fain]

I am replacing the front wheel bearings on my 2000 A6.  The Bentley manual
has absolutely nothing on this except a drawing on 02-20 and a statement
that the bearing is easily replaced by removing bolts from the back side so
that it is not necessary to even remove the drive axle.  Mine are obviously
pressed into the bearing housings just like the ones on my old 90Q.  I
managed to pull the ABS sensors out so I can detach the ball joints and
remove the housing from the car but I am sort of winging it.  Is my car an
anomaly or is the Bentley just plain wrong?  Is it going to affect the
alignment when I detach the lower ball joints?  It's time for new tires and
alignment but I was hoping to put that off for a month or so.
thanks,
Dave