Shawn -- that is exactly what worked. Cut the end off, and it pushed out. That's first I've run into on a SK (out of about 20). Obviously not a "stock" piece... but a great lesson.

The vinegar soak sure cleaned things, too. I think I'll cook some more tonight. My wife - the perfect woman - said the smell reminded her of dying Easter eggs!

Thanks, all for the tips!

Remove the screw cap for the spring and try blasting a can or 5 of brake parts cleaner down that sucker. Brake parts cleaner will clear up anything up that I've come across.

So glad that worked for you!

I ran into that recently swapping an axle on my wifes car. would go in only one way, out only one way.