This is what happens





Mazda part

Doesn't it look nice




Total Damage: 1hr labour, 45min drive to the dealer and $101.60 NZD

Therefore try not to use hammer and flat headed screw driver.

 

It breaking like that is better than all the tabs breaking off which has happened.

 

When the first two tabs broke off we decided to chop it in half. Believe it or not it was all done with a flat headed screw driver. I guess Mazda was smart to tight like that this way people like me go out to buy a new one for $101.60.

 

They make a tool that attaches to a ratchet, to remove those. (Not that anyone at home would ever have one. )

Also, it looks like you were hitting the tabs on the inside of the ring. A better method would be to hit the outer part of the tabs, and to rotate around the ring... A smack or two on one tab, move 150°, etc. It just kind of binds if you stay on the same side of the ring. Penetrating oil can help, as well. Also, use a pry bar or large square punch, something less likely to chisel through the plastic.

Just some tips to help the next guy.

 

$20 tool is better than buying a new ring: