Unable to remove power steering filter

[cattledog]

Hello, I would like to change my power steering filter but cannot seem to remove the old filter.  The problem is that I cannot remove the "baffle plate" pictured below with three holes and the spindle coming up through the middle of it.

I have various pick tools and can pull harder on the baffle plate but I will certainly damage it if I try that.

Am I missing a step here?

Chris
1969 280sl

[cattledog]

I was able to remove the baffle.  Sprayed a little bit of Pb blaster around the edges then tapped downward with a large wooden dowel to break it loose.   After this it pulled up easily.

After changing the filter started to flush the system and quickly found out that you need more than a quart of Mercedes power steering fluid to flush it.    Oh well- I put in what I had and buttoned it up until I can buy more fluid.

Steering feels a little smoother now and there was plenty of gunk at the bottom of the resovoir.

[Benz Dr.]

I only use ATF which is probably similar. I lift the front wheels high enough to clear the floor and then I turn the steering back and fourth until all air bubbles disappear to rid the system of any trapped air.

[mbzse]

..../... there was plenty of gunk at the bottom of the resovoir

A power steering system with lots of particles (dirt) in the fluid will with time ruin your power steering pump and the steering box.
There will be severe wear, requiring expensive repairs