Meade ETX80 focuser help please

[KevinC53]

Hello to all

I have checked out other forums, Weasners ETX site, other forums  etc but the details of focuser rod removal are very vague

I recently picked up an ETX80 for pennies as the OTA was rattling - it turned out to be a broken 3 legged plastic focuser assembly - bits of which were falling out of the camera aperture

I have dissembled the OTA but I an stumped how to remove the focuser rod from the backplate?  Photo attached. 

Is the bevel gear a push fit, keyed or swaged on to the rod cos it looks plastic and I dont want to force anything

I can see a brass washer or circlip on the internal plain side of the rod

Also, how do I remove the micro circlip from the top end of the threaded focus rod so I can replace the assembly with a 3d printed one

Any help welcomed please

Thanks

Kevin

Edited November 2, 2020 by KevinC53
extra info

[johninderby]

Have you tried Weasner’s  Mighty ETX website? The best source of ETX info.

http://www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

Edited November 2, 2020 by johninderby