After all tension is safely removed, springs are free floating. If a spring will not slide out, the plastic sleeve liner may be bonded to the tube by old grease.
- Pull the sleeve from the opposite end with needle nose pliers.
- Rotate the pliers several turns to break the bond if the liner tears.
- Slide a thin blade or wire between the liner and tube to release it.
- Gentle heat at the tube end can help loosen the liner.
Confirm the tube is completely empty before installing new springs.