I replaced mine this season because of the same problems...went with new stainless.
Ive HEARD its hard to change and even called to ask Skools about it. He said the same thing "its VERY hard and sucks to do"
However, It was SIMPLE. All you have to do is take a nut off one end and it slides right out! Support the outboard with an engine lift or get under a big tree with a come-a-long or something. Then I just slid my new one back in and put nuts on...presto! Maybe it was just easier on my motor (mercury/force, same as the Merc. tubes..that what I bought that fits it..V6 merc tilt tube.) Anyways, it only took 10 minutes and now its like new and stainless...now more pulling it every season.
