Like another reviewer said, just unplug the blender, use a long screwdriver to stop the motor from turning, and then unscrew the coupling (in the opposite direction than you normally would). Took about 5 minutes... just had to find the right place to put the screwdriver to stop the motor.
Lara Docgirl, you rock - I'm so happy I found your instructions here!
I first tried the printed instructions that came with the spare part, over and over dozens of times, and my husband did, too. No result, just idle spinning and mounting frustration. Next, I tried blocking the motor wheel with a screwdriver inserted from the bottom to unscrew the coupling from the top, but it was difficult to find the right spot and I feared I'd break off some motor blades or damage the wires. Then I tried tiny flat spanners in my toolbox to stabilize the socket to screw off the coupling on top of it - but although the spanners fit under the coupling, they were still the wrong size: more idle spinning.
Then I tried Lara Docgirl's approach - (1) place the unplugged blender base on a tabletop, facing you, base down/coupling up; (2) take a punch or a flathead screwdriver, and place it against one of the coupling teeth that is furthest away from you; (3) strike the back of the screwdriver with a small hammer or mallet. The result will spin coupling clockwise. It may take several tries, but the coupling will eventually spin clockwise faster than the motor, and it will begin to unthread;(5) unscrew the old coupling, and screw the new coupling into place (counterclockwise). Note that the new coupling will tighten itself every time you use your blender, so no need to worry about tightening it too much.
Hey presto! It worked (although my original coupling was so worn that it had no teeth left - I just let the screwdriver sink in the rubber while hitting it lightly with a rubber mallet) - in about 20 seconds, or about 5 taps the old coupling came off, no real force needed! After an hour of frustration!!! Now I'm off to fix the margarita to celebrate!!!
The coupling was the perfect replacement for the old one. However, getting the old one off was an experience. There are 2 flat slots on the spindle below the coupling that require a flat spanner/wrench to hold in order to remove the coupling which has an opposite to normal thread. Anything I found flat enough to fit would not hold the spindle tight enough. I finally had to remove the base and remove the little magnet which is glued on the bottom of the spindle and then use a vice-grips to hold the spindle. Presto! The magnet popped back on OK, however, it probably should have more glue. It would be a simple task if they included a cheap flat spanner with the coupling for an extra dollar. I gladly would have paid for it! Better luck!
Follow the directions from Frustrated post-doc! Throw away the directions that come with the replacement part. I initially removed only the plastic black top of the broken coupler (by following the directions that came with the part) - thought I was doomed, but used the hammer and flathead screwdriver, as post-doc directed, against the remaining metal part....after a couple of whacks it unscrewed easily...then put new part on! Works great! ANYONE can make this repair!
I followed this review to test the removal before ordering...
"Several other reviewers have mentioned this, unplug the blender, use a long screwdriver to stop the motor from turning (insert screwdriver from bottom of base up through one of the holes in blender base), and then unscrew the coupling. Simple and easy."
Took 10 seconds and was much easier than using a hammer or a torque wrench to get the top twisted off. Just insert the screwdriver towards the middle of the bottom so it effectively prevents the flywheel from spinning then hand twist the coupler 'righty loosey'. : )
After I tried holding the spindle, blocking the motor blades--all with no success, I found these instructions. Took 2 knocks and 10 seconds to remove the coupling!...
(1) Note that the coupling (the round part with teeth) is threaded to the blender motor in reverse to a standard threading. So it screws off just like a bottle top, but in a clockwise direction.
(2) place the blender base on a tabletop, facing you, base down/coupling up. You should probably unplug it.
(3) take a punch or a flathead screwdriver, and place it against one of the coupling teeth that is furtherest away from you.
(4) strike the back of the screwdriver with a small hammer or maillot. The result will spin coupling clockwise. It may take several tries, but the coupling will eventually spin clockwise faster than the motor, and it will begin to unthread.
(5) unscrew the old coupling, and screw the new coupling into place (counterclockwise). Note that the new coupling will tighten itself every time you use your blender, so no need to worry about tightening it too much.
(6) Make a smoothie to celebrate your success!'
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