Hi brimmer, yes you have to pull the axle shafts out first, because they go into the carrier. Once the shafts are out, unbolt the carrier and it should come right out.
Get a couple of cans of brake cleaner and spray everything down once it's apart. Make sure everything is clean & dry. if everything looks good inside, put it all back together & refil with oil, & you should be good to go.
