Power antenna mast removal problem

[Orvbaby]

Car wash took my power antenna out of commission.
It is now on my bench in pieces and the last part of the mast will not come out. There is no part of the gear drive assembly left in the housing. And there is no part of the plastic "toothed rod" visible. Why won't the last small piece of the mast come out?? It feels like there is a solid stop before the mast comes out. Did I miss something? Should I use more force?

Thanks

 

[Orvbaby]

Never mind...I got it. seems that the grounding/retaining sleeve was stuck pretty hard. Had to get it in the vise and pry the mast out.