2000 Other Saturn Models Front wheel bearing

I removed left front rotor, hexnut, cotter pin, washer. Bearings fell out, I knew the wheel bearing was bad. After multiple attempts to get the bearing housing out as it is pressed in, I realize there must be a tool for removing the bearing. It was so bad all that is left is the outer housing "race". There is a removal and installing tool I can rent. however how do you get the axel out of the way, you can push it from side to side and in but I can't seem to push is far enough in so I can drop it out of the way and use the tool. ? The tool says removeing and replacing can be done without removing the housing hub thus avoiding realignment. Stumped in N. Calif.