Steering shaft removal

Did you remove the snap ring that keeps it in place? Sometimes it can be hidden in the groove a little.

Takes a little persuasion sometimes. If you are going to pry on any part of the insulator, make sure you don't tear it which can happen very easily. The old grease in there can be fairly sticky, you might try to wiggle the shaft around to break it loose. Maybe spray some lubricant between the shaft and bearing to help work it loose. Once you get the bearing unseated you can pry on the bottom of the collar and 'walk' it up off the shaft.

Don't hammer on the shaft at all, you will collapse the shear pins.