How hard is it to remove that steering part?
Its not easy. If you don't have the access hole modification kit done, you actually need to pull engine and whole drive assembly to get it out. If you have the access holes cut in the top of the gimbal housing, its still tough, not a lot of room to get in there with tools. Doable if you're experienced with repair work and have the right tools, if not, might be best left for a mechanic.
My steering shaft was in there pretty tight due to corrosion and needed some convincing with a slide hammer to come out. I replaced it with a stainless steel aftermarket version from NuWave Marine.
If you look up JR Marine there is a couple of videos on there showing how to do it, although they dont replace the upper most shaft bushing, which I did, and it was a major PITA to get out.