[Vwdiesel] Lower Steering column bearing on 1982 rabbit

[ken1]

Trying to remove steering column to replace the lower bearing. Have removed the bolt that connects the universal joint to the lower end of the steering shaft; steering wheel, the wiper and turn signal switches. the clutch cable, unhooked the brake pedal and removed all four (4) bolts at the brackets n the steering column, plus removed a nut above the leaf spring. Still cannot remove the column.
There appears to be three (3) studs thru the firewall with nuts behind the brake diaphragm. Do they also have to be removed so that I can get the steering column out, just for one cheap-@$$ bearing replacement??
Thanks.