Interesting. Thank you. There does appear to be a "lock ring" or something inside the yellow part, and the rod goes into that ring -- or, as suggested, the ring goes around the rod then into the yellow part. Can this ring be removed so as to remove the rod? If so, how? The whole point of this exercise is to be able to remove the existing rod and insert a new one without needing to replace a perfectly functional actuator. Also, the rod mechanism is sold separate from the actuator so there must be a way to put the two together. If the two can be put together, I am thinking the two can be separated. Interesting that the straight end of the rod which attaches to the yellow part is threaded. That suggests to me it is so the rod can be adjusted to the proper tension so the mechanism works properly. Also interestingly, someone on another M-B forum said the technique is to pull the rod/actuator to the "out" position, push the yellow part toward the "in" position while holding the rod "out," which then allows that ring, which has a slit in it such that you see two parts around the rod from the outside, to come together, which then allows the rod to screw out. Have yet to try. Thanks again for the input.