I'm replacing my brake pedal (manual trans to auto trans pedal) and have ran into a roadblock.

The old pedal slid out easily.

I am trying to install the new pedal one but it is too tight of a fit if I leave the white bushings in place and try to install the pin with them in.

The pin slides in easily with the bushings out, but with them in it is too tight.

I greased everything up and still no luck.

Any suggestions? This is supposed to be easy. Why might things be binding so tight?