On the original blower motor assembly that was in my 1985 300TD, the squirrel cage has a solid dome, not an open design like the one in 420 benz's pic.

The solid dome has a single hole drilled in it which I figured was for removing the cage in the manner you just described.

I didn't punch the shaft first as you describe, I just supported the edges of the cage (with the motor hanging) and tried tapping out the motor with a thin drift. This is when my cage first cracked. I guess I should have tried punching the shaft first, but I thought it would tighten the connection.

__________________
Chad
2013 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL