Removing plastic spindle from feed roller (Dewalt P/T)

[Blevins]

I've got a Dewalt 1150 Planer Thicknesser that I am slowly managing to improve. The front rubber feed roller is badly degraded so I've got a new one to replace it with - the only problem is that the roller is connected at one end to a black plastic spindle (listed as a separate part in the catalogues) that sits on the drive chain and prevents the roller from being withdrawn from the planer body. The spindle doesn't seem to want to come off. Should I be tapping it gently wth a hammer? The roller ends as a rectangular bar and inserts into the spindle.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks