are you certain it isn't loose?
You need to pry down on the A arm, leave the top nut on (loose) to hold the strut up there.
If it isn't loose, while keeping some pressure, use a bigger hammer!
Also, you can use a hammer in between to make sure your hit goes where you want it. ie: hold one hammer on part, hit with 2nd hammer.
Mine just fall apart with no effort.