Removing Steering Shaft Bearing

What is the easiest way to remove the lower steering shaft bearing? The plastic bearing at the end of the steering column just before it leaves the steering column and firewall and goes into the steering coupler. Does it come out toward the coupler or back through the firewall? The reason I am asking is that the shaft pin on the end of the shaft is a bear to remove and it does not appear that anything will go past the pin.

Ideas?