PTO removal from a x485 garden tractor

I can not get the pto shaft to relaese from the pto spline on the transmission of my x485 JD. Everything appears to be operaing okay except for the release mechicanism. there appears to be one of the ball bearing hanging up. Has this happened to anyone else, except me, and any suggestions on resolving this problem?

I have an '03 X485 that did that same thing a couple of years ago.  I had to jack up the tractor and use a hammer and prybar to release it.  I nearly destroyed the coupler but was careful not to touch the splines.

My dealer gave me a replacement shaft under warranty. Out of warranty was going to be over $100.00.

 

Thanks for your info.
Have a Merry Christmas!!!