Bathroom Privacy lock

[markfrank1439]

Hello all, appreciate a bit of guidance on this. I have a privacy lever handle for my bathroom with a push lock. It started to be temperamental order a new lock of the same type. I have removed the handles and come to remove the shaft through the middle connecting both handles and I cannot get it out. It is stuck in place, it will not budge at all. Normally they just come straight out but I presume because of the locking mechanism type there must be a back to it? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Got a photo?

 

[crank39]

Being a bathroom its probably corroded from the humidity and got stuck, just wack it through, I come across the same in my line of work, handles, mechanisms, hinges and screws can turn rusty over time