Is that under the rubber covers? How did you get the covers off. I tried but couldnt see how to remove them without destroying them.No. Don't spray it with anything.
You have to remove the cotter pin and washer from the link bar first. Then the pivot arm will come off.
Echo, I popped mine off and dropped it one spline to better accommodate a taller rider. Unfortunately, its now too low. So I made an adjustable link bar from that little piece.