brake pedal questions

I am in the process of redoing brakes. I started to clean the brake pedal assembly. After removing the washer and cotter pin, shouldn't the pedal slide off the shaft? It won't.

Another question...When the pedal is disconnected from the pushrod and spring I assume there shouldn't be any resistance. It acts like it is binding on the shaft. I have greased it through the fitting and it didn't help. Thats why I tried removing it, but couldn't. Any ideas or help is appreciated. Thanks Shane

 

probably just years of old hardened grease and crud keeping it from coming off.
could also be a groove or lip worn into the shaft.