Are you talking about the tube that the teleflex goes through? Yes, you'll need to remove the two halves of the transome bracket and the TT pump. The only way to accomplish that is to pull the engine off the stern. With some creativity and an engine hoist, you may be able to do it without disconnecting everything else tough. But since you have gone that far, might be an opportunity to clean up the bracket assembly and TT assembly. Those two never get much love. Depending on the level of corrosion, that may be a nightmare. Lots of PB and some heat....be careful around the TT harness.