Hi

I could not the shaft away from the base either without doing damage. Surely it just fits in there and held by the bolt
I thought it was just corroded in there by the dissimilar metal corrosion. Like many of the other bolts through the alloy
It seems to me that you have a great opportunity to see what's in there. Get the angle grinder out and see if you can dislodge it .Base is already had it so not further damage.

Norm .

Have you ever been able to get that spindle shaft off a base
I guess we are unlikely ever to need that shaft as it should not wear with all the grease.

MF

Does that pulley have a step worn into it from belt
I thought maybe they all do.

Jeff