Yea.....at least that is the way I did it. As stated the "cage" is larger than the opening where the motor comes out.

I fought with one of mine for a long time. Didn't want to pull the whole case....so the "poorman" in me kicks in. Figure out that if I set it to "Rec" the flap opens and I can get a 1/4 set up on the nut to the cage.....use the fact the motor is loose to get the nut off.

Then install the new motor shaft back in....the paper towel in the socket then the nut in the paper towel - to hold the nut in the socket. Get it started.....remove the socket so I can get the piece of towel out. Then tighten the nut, then the bolts to the motor....can I say a PIA?

Someone else might have another way...please do tell..but that is how I ended up doing it without removing the "case".

 

This link has another guy's way (username: nsf480). He also posted a few pictures. You probably have to enlarge the viewing size to see his pics. better.

How to remove back blower motor clip from Honda Accord LXi? - Car Talk

 

Thank you guys...but I ran into even more disapointment...

I took off the entire case, fan and all, (thanks to your help) in order to remove the dead motor....only to find that the replacement part does not fit...the circumference is too wide to slide into place....when I took the part back, they were stumped...they have to special order another one to check to see if they are all this size....

maybe you guys can give me a hint as to what to tell them if the part comes back identical to the other one...