Based on your instructions it looks like you're taking the wheel liner apart to retain the clips on the old vent cover, but if yoi don't have interest in putting that back, can't you just rip it out by wiggling and pulling really hard? The retaining clips will either come out or break off. If the latter it just collect on the bottom of the fender liner where it won't move or anything (so no noises).
Just my thinking...
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