Unfortunately the dial spindle does not go straight through the door. There is a triple gear pack embedded in the the door, and the only way to get to it is to delaminate the door itself. This gear pack allows the dial to be offset in relation to the lock inside. The dial will pull off once the center screw is removed and the lock inside can be removed as well. You may find the problem exists just with the dial or lock itself. Keep the pictures coming.