OK - thanks a bunch all of you - super helpful pictures,

That "lock" is completely missing from my passenger side flange. All the flange bolts are off and they had nothing but lockwashers under them. No lock with the tip that grabs the adjuster ring.

As for the adjuster ring - I've hammered on it pretty hard but not damaged or deformed it. I'll use PB Blaster in the morning, some blow torch heat and try again, thanks.

Someone must have been into these bearings before me, there are no gaskets behind the "flange plate", just silicon sealant gooped in there...

.... and I am starting to think the adjuster ring was never tightened properly and/or it backed off because the lock is missing.. which can give me loose bearings and all the symptoms I've experienced.

I'll get my hands on one of those locks from a salvage yard, try getting it apart and update again.
Thanks guys,
- Art

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