**Newbie alert**
I'm currently restoring an old Robotron for my sins - and there is a lot of restoring to do in this case

Anyway, can any of you MAME gurus give me any pointers as to how to remove old joysticks that may have almost 'stuck together'? In this instace I have removed everything but the stick itself and the square rubber/metal part that is attached to the underside. I don't know the actual name of it, but it is the bit that centres the stick back into the central position.
I just can't seem to get it off and the rubber is quite old and I'm afraid I'll tear it if I use too much force. Should I just give it a hard tug, or should I abadon saving them and get new ones?
Is there some washer under this rubber part that can be removed to allow it to slip off.
The joystick is the classic WICO style with a red ball top.
I can post a pic if you think you can help.