Unfortunately, you are going to have to deform both the extraction and insertion.

Your worst case scenario would be to remove the toilet temporarily, then reset it with a new ring.

But I would try to remove the old one as one piece by bending the rod upward, then use a similar technique to install the new one. Try not to apply too much pressure to the tank itself so you don't crack it. But first, double-check to see if it disassembles, or call Toto and ask. Maybe you'll get lucky and it unscrews from the body.

Edit: BTW, did you try to remove it yet? It looks to me like it just might make the turn (downward) as you remove and twist it. Worth a try, at least.

Here is a link that might be useful: side lever

This post was edited by homebound on Sat, Nov 16, 13 at 21:40

yes, I did try to take the handle apart form the trip lever but no luck. I called Toto but they had no fix - preferring probably fo rme to just buy a whole new toilet.

May be I am just missing the plastic hex bolt that goes on the inside of the toilet on the lever?

Maybe you are missing that nut - where is it?? Just install another one.

If Toto wants you to buy a new toilet, that's a ridiculous solution. Hard to believe.