For this vehicle (GLX V6 FWD) and on the front, the caliper carrier bolts are the same length - but thanks for the feedback/idea.
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Surprisingly, all the needed parts arrived by yesterday. Looking at the new bearing, there is no swarf visible in the seam of the inner races (good). Not surprisingly, I haven't had time to try and replace the wheel bearing and axle this weekend. I was able to replace the 1/2" breaker bar that I snapped when tightening the axle bolt last week - ACE is the Place for Craftsman tool replacement, now 
The new parts are installed (wheel bearing, CV axle, ABS sensor) and the summer tires are installed. Everything is working as it should. I made sure to install the new ABS sensor in the steering knuckle only after the CV axle had been installed and the axle bolt was snugged up. There are no strange noises and the ABS warning lights are off again, too
To replace the wheel bearing, I used the on-vehicle wheel bearing kit from [email protected] Fre!ght. I had upgraded the bolt and nut with OTC tool parts, instead, as the originals wore out after the first few uses. The OTC parts are holding up well (be sure to lube the threads with 3-in-1 oil often during use). For the Passat, the kit has one plate that is just the right size to slip through the back of the knuckle to push out the bearing. And then when installing, there is another size that is just right to fit inside the knuckle but on the outside of the lip that the new bearing seats against once pulled in. Using that just-right size plate helps to keep the bolt closely centered as you pull the new bearing in. Also, as the bearing was first pulled into the knuckle, it was a little crooked. Once I had it pulled in enough, then I switched the puller around as if to remove the new bearing again, but instead I backed it out just a little until it was set straight in the knuckle again, and then switched it up once more to continue pulling the new bearing into the knuckle. It went smoothly at that point. I also lubed the inside of the knuckle with a thin film of synthetic brake caliper pin grease/lube to help the new bearing slide into place. This is one of those jobs that just takes time to do right, and if something feels like it is taking too much force, then likely something is misaligned and needs to be set straight before continuing.
To replace the wheel bearing, I used the on-vehicle wheel bearing kit from [email protected] Fre!ght. I had upgraded the bolt and nut with OTC tool parts, instead, as the originals wore out after the first few uses. The OTC parts are holding up well (be sure to lube the threads with 3-in-1 oil often during use). For the Passat, the kit has one plate that is just the right size to slip through the back of the knuckle to push out the bearing. And then when installing, there is another size that is just right to fit inside the knuckle but on the outside of the lip that the new bearing seats against once pulled in. Using that just-right size plate helps to keep the bolt closely centered as you pull the new bearing in. Also, as the bearing was first pulled into the knuckle, it was a little crooked. Once I had it pulled in enough, then I switched the puller around as if to remove the new bearing again, but instead I backed it out just a little until it was set straight in the knuckle again, and then switched it up once more to continue pulling the new bearing into the knuckle. It went smoothly at that point. I also lubed the inside of the knuckle with a thin film of synthetic brake caliper pin grease/lube to help the new bearing slide into place. This is one of those jobs that just takes time to do right, and if something feels like it is taking too much force, then likely something is misaligned and needs to be set straight before continuing.
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