I can't seem to push the ring in. I ended up deforming the ring, it shouldn't be this hard right? Per some other posts, I put in a flathead then twisted to push the ring.

 

Are you trying to release the clutch? with the screwdriver you need to force the ring into the fingers of the clutch until its flat, THEN twist to seperate. You cant just jam the screwdriver in and twist.

 

I was using the twisting motion to try to force the ring in. only the part where the screw driver is goes in, and it never goes in all the way.

 

I also had a hard time understanding that release bearing before I saw that video!

 

I saw the video. The problem is I can't get the ring in all around the perimeter. The best I can do is forcefully push one side, which causes it to deform.

 

youre going to have to rotate the motor and do a little bit all around. if its being an *** like that then its possible the ring on the inside is screwed up. it will eventually give up. just take your time

 

One thing I've had trouble with in the past was the ring not going in evenly. Because of this, I usually end up using two screwdrivers one for each side of the ring, to attempt to apply even pressure to each side so the ring doesn't tilt and bind when it goes in. A bit tricky to do although it has worked for me in the past.

I also think it helps to remove the clutch slave cylinder so you can access the end of the clutch fork with your fingers. Use a prying motion (not twisting) with the screwdrivers to push the ring towards the clutch, then push in on the fork itself (as the clutch slave would) to pull out the release bearing. I think there are a lot of folks with their own 'tricks of the trade', but see what works best for you.