rudder shaft

Our 1973 Ericson 32 (originally with tiller steering, now with an Edson wheel) is leaking increasing amounts of water from the top of the rudder shaft. We've spent a fair amount of money having the local marina repack the seal at the top of the shaft, as well as (this spring prior to launch)...

I cannot get my rudder to fall out no matter what I do....the cockpit plate will not come off and the rudder will not drop.....there is no quadrant or fastener that I am missing is there? does the tube running from the hull to the underside of the cockpit attach to the tiller plate??