Guys,
Thanks for all your help.
R Neumann, you are correct in that the fittings either end are zerk fittings. (I didnt know what they were called before)
Anyway, we now have the wheel off that improved access and after a bit of a struggle got the fitting out of that end of the ram and its exactly as you described.
Im in a quandary, We cant remove the fitting from the other end of the ram so im thinking that Ill just take the ram apart in situ and get the new seals an bits placed on it once the rod is out. Trouble is, I have removed the circlip, and nothing wants to move, I dont want to turn what seems to be a large metal washer thats next as I might break something important.
So......... How do I remove the rod from the ram, leaving the tube in place.
Dave