Easy fix! There is a cap on the left side of the unit that just pulls off. One screw to remove the housing, 4 screws and the old base was free of the fridge. The water in/out hoses just pull off.
And as they say: installation is opposite of removal.
Only bummer is the fact that after I had removed the old base, I tried pushing the new filter into it.
It clicked and locked just like it was supposed to. I think the 'push-to-lock' is a poor design to begin with. I feel better with the twist situation IMO.