Struggling to separate the two halves of the drive shaft

[Molly]

I now have my swingarm on the bench but I'm struggling to separate the drive shaft halves so as to remove it. I imagined the two halves would telescope easily in and out of each other but not so. 

Have I misunderstood something here? Any advice appreciated. 

Apologies if this has been previously covered. I did look but unsuccessfully. 

[docc]

Yes, they should slide freely apart. Yours has, evidently, rusted together. A good find and important to address!

Perhaps an overnight with a penetrating product, then heat and some tapping with a persuader? 
Otherwise, penetrating oil-> heat-> hydraulic pressure pumping grease into the center Zerk?

[Molly]

1 hour ago, docc said:

Yes, they should slide freely apart. Yours has, evidently, rusted together. A good find and important to address!

Perhaps an overnight with a penetrating product, then heat and some tapping with a persuader? 
Otherwise, penetrating oil-> heat-> hydraulic pressure pumping grease into the center Zerk?

Thanks Docc. I had the same with a BMW drive shaft last year. Was a pig to get it to release but got there in the end. 

This started-out with me just wanting to grease the front UJ. Next thing I've half the bike on my bench and am busy getting parts vapor blasted and changing bearings. I don't mind. It all needed doing and we're heading into winter so it's a good time to be doing it. 

Thanks again. 

[docc]

Just a reminder if too much grease is left in the shaft cavity, the halves will not go back together or there will be restricted movement interfering with suspension travel.

Nice to hear you enjoy "the process." 
Your spineframe will love you back!   

[docc]

4 hours ago, Molly said:

Thanks Docc. I had the same with a BMW drive shaft last year. Was a pig to get it to release but got there in the end. 

This started-out with me just wanting to grease the front UJ. Next thing I've half the bike on my bench and am busy getting parts vapor blasted and changing bearings. I don't mind. It all needed doing and we're heading into winter so it's a good time to be doing it. 

Thanks again. 

Ah, yes, greasing the front Uni-joint can lead one to desperate measures . . .