Yes, they are for removing the race. I suppose you could use some long threaded bolts, but I have always just used a drift through the holes. Works fine as long as you keep it relatively even.....never needed heat. The bearing should be in there with the same amount of press fit as any other bearing.
Another method that works in a blind hole like that is to put a circle of weld on the race through the open side. As the welds cool, it will shrink the race to the point where it will literally fall out.
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