Can I Skip These 2 Steps in CV/Axle Replacement?

I've replace the bearing and never removed the tie rod. I did remove the speed sensor because it was in my way due to how I was removing the bearing. Mine was so corroded in the case I had to use a different method for removal.

 

In my 2021 Prius, I just replaced my front driver's side axle and only had to remove the speed sensor and then free up the ball joint on the bottom (two 17mm nuts and a bolt) then pop it off there so I could move it slightly to the side in order to slide the axle out.

One tip I learned trying to pop-off that pesky thing was to get my longest screw driver with my 5-pound hammer to persuade it to pop off. (And I'm thankful they have notches where you can do that to) But even with that she wouldn't budge so my friend suggested I rotate the other tire 1/2 a turn so I tried that and then she popped free after just two hits.....PHEW.

Inspecting the leaking axle, the leak was from the seal on the large part of the inside boot was leaking....wasn't any tears in the boots....which is odd (I've never heard of a Toyota doing that)