Glad your fix is done! In answer to your question about my cutting off the lock ring and inner race: I did so because my shot at the press would be limited, I wasn't sure a bearing splitter would be available, and I could do the preparatory cutting at my leisure. I also wanted to have a close look at the shaft surface for thorough cleanup before I got to the press and was short of time. In short, cutting rather than pressing them off was more a matter of convenience and preference, rather than any mechanical advantage.

Best of luck.