Steering column shaft removal

[BatW]

I'm looking to remove the upper shaft from the steering column for a repaint but it doesn't pull through the column.
I'm assuming the steering lock is catching on the bottom bush and removal isn't straight forward?
Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[JdeW]

Here's the tutorial https://www.la4ldesylvie.fr/depose-et-repose-du-contacteur-antivol-aka-le-neiman to remove the switch.

First to remove the steering column you've to remove the Neiman (anti-theft) switch.
Second to remove the upper part you've to unscrew the cross coupling
Third unscrew the two bolts at the flex joint of the steering rabox and remove the lower part of the steering column
Fourth push the upper part towards the engine bay.

Be aware not to damage the upper steering column needle bearing at the top and there's a split guiding bush at the lower end