My '99 SE needs front wheel bearings. Looks like a pretty straightforward job in the shop manual, expect that I wonder what the best way to remove the bearing asembly from the axle is? My shop manual shows a special puller-type tool....do I need the tool?

A hammer with a brass punch works fine.

The wheel bearing is a entire bearing/hub assembly/ABS/Speed Sensor that is bolted to the suspension. The biggest PIA is getting the center nut off, but plenty of liquid wrench and a good cheater bar or impact wrench will help you win that battle.