Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - tub drain linkage STUCK!

I have tub drain stopper linkages in two bathrooms which are stuck. I'm guessing lime/calcium deposits and old rubber...

I pulled the overflow and the stopper won't move at all. The linkage moves back and forth pretty freely, but not the stopper. I have tried tapping on it, pulling, jiggling but I can't get it to break free.

Any suggestions on how to remove/repair this old stopper? Is there an option to replace it without reguiring tub removal (can I simply screw some kind of foot trip into the existing drain)?

Paul

Spray a little liquid wrench down the overflow tube. It does sound as if your plunger has calcified a little. It is probably made of brass. After spraying with the liquid wrench, try lightly tugging until it frees itself. Don't twist, as you will probably dislocate the screw linkage and the bottom third will be lost and you will have to take the tub drain apart to get to it.

It's soaking right now.

Any ideas on the stopper? Can I change it without removing the rest of the drain assembly? I don't have access to the back of the tub, so I was hoping I could remove the strainer and flip, and just put in a foot activated stopper and flat overflow cover. Will that work?

Thanks!

Well..yes..it will work IF you get the current linkage/plunger out of the overflow. If the current plunger/linkage is jammed in there..and falls down if not already down.....regardless if you change the stopper out or not...the drain may not drain properly.