when I done mine (normal focus) I got mole grips on it and gave it a wiggle, it was'nt for moving so, working from underneath got a mate to smack the mole grips with a hammer and large screwdriver as I wiggled them, it flew out

hth

also when refitting new vss put some grease around the top bit that push fits into the gearbox, to get this to locate I used a large set of water pump pliers so press it in position, put a bit of grease on your new locating pin too

hth