M5R1 output shaft lock nut

[jpark6491]

I am in the process of rebuilding my transmission but I am having trouble removing the output shaft lock nut (it looks as though the tab was punched down in a keyhole of the shaft). I am trying to get it off while doing minimal damage to things around it. I know the nut itself isn't that expensive but any ideas other than cutting it off? I tried getting underneath the tab with a punch tool and hammer but seemed to make it even more difficult to get at.

 

[Shran]

A small chisel may work. Maybe a center punch. If you have a die grinder you could try grinding out that tab too. Don't be tempted to just spin it off - I did that and broke some of the threads off the output shaft.

 

[jpark6491]

A small chisel may work. Maybe a center punch. If you have a die grinder you could try grinding out that tab too. Don't be tempted to just spin it off - I did that and broke some of the threads off the output shaft.

Thanks for the tips, I definitely don't want to break any threads. I had to replace the counter shaft and input shaft as it is. I have a grinder but maybe I could go to the Dremel first to be a little more precise.

 

[jpark6491]

Unfortunately I had to cut it off, but a combination of small angle grinder and dremel cutting wheel worked to get it off.