So I'm trying to replace the motor on my FAL 130 pusher fan. I know this sounds retarded but how the hell do you get the blades off the motor? I searched their site and came up empty.

I've removed the C-clip and washer, and the bolts holding it to the shroud. So now the motor is free to move a little, but I can't seem to get that metal rod like thing to pull away from the blades. Does anyone have any tips?

Here's what I'm working with:
This is the "metal rod thing"

I tried prying the nut out with a razor, but no that does work. It feels like I should just pull and separate them but the tip of the metal rod thing just stops when it gets to the nut.

 

Damn, I know the pics are HUGE. I even resized them, but they're still big for some reason.