[m_c]

Before I go levering things too much, is it simply the two clamp bolts that should hold the little 230W spindle in place?

I've tried slackening them, and levering the slot open, but the motor won't budge. I only had a quick attempt last night, but it's like there's either a hidden bolt on the z-axis side or it's been glued in, however there's no sign of any glue seeping out between the motor/clamp.

[wire10ga]

I took mine out, but it was clamped so tight by the meta, that I had to use a screwdriver to pry open where the clamp bolts were.

[m_c]

I did eventually get it out with some brute force vua a couple big screwdrivers.

The metal extrusion is pretty rubbish, so what should be a circular hole most definetly isn't, so there are a few high spots that grip the motor tight.

[wire10ga]

It will be easy going back in after the initial removal.

[m_c]

Given how much the extrusion is deformed, getting the original motor back in won't be any easier.
However it won't be a problem for me, as the spindle will be going on eBay shortly. I'm using this machine as a dedicated probing machine, so the spindle has been replaced with an adapter to take a probe.