i tried to get the small platter off and there is a plastic coller that hits a guard under there.dont want to force it any ideas as i would like to service the bearings on the tt but it does spin very easy and the tt is spotless in there so should i even bother

The retaining clip is held by a single screw; you have to access the screw from the bottom. I typically don't re-install the clip to make bearing cleaning and oiling more convenient.