9.9 4-Stroke tilt lever

[SeaKing]

The tilt lever seems to hang up. the bushing around the shaft seems swelled under the lever. The lever does move it needs help and does not spring back up. It has to be moved up to lock. To change that I see the tilt tube must come out. If that is the solution to change the bushing how do I get the tube out. Is there a puller for that.

Thank You for any advice

[boats.net]

Unless corroded up the tilt tube should just pull out.

[SeaKing]

I gently taped it with a hammer and block of wood to protect the thread. And did not see any movement. The engine is4 years old. the tilt bracket moves easily up and down. I will try jamming the two nuts together on one end and see if that will allow me to twist the "tube" to start movement. Any other suggestions short of a torch.