Slide alignment problem after awning hangs

Well, got the pinion assembly out. That was easy. The connecting arm dropped down but would not slide apart. Spayed it with penetrating oil but it didn't help. Turns out the bolt is hung up inside the shaft from the pinion assembly. Must be bent. It moves freely in the holes in the cross arm. I cut off the threaded side and tried to turn the bolt using the head. No luck tried everything I could think of. Wouldn't budge. Will try to slide the cross arm apart tomorrow, maybe using a ratchet strap to apply more force. If I can get that apart, it should be easier to get tho bolt out. If not, I'll just cut off the bolt head and drill it out. Getting there at snail speed. lol At least it was a nice warm sunny day. Being under there in 30 degrees and stiff wind was getting old fast. I'll have to inspect closer but the pinion gear assembly looked good. The rollers spun freely and it looked good in weak light. But I cant spin the gear until I get the bolt out. Such fun.