Problems emptying HPD catch can

[WernerO Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close WernerO]

Please tell me I'm missing something.
This is my first 4wd so I'm learning a lot on the fly.
I've just bought a 120 which has an HPD catch can fitted. I wanted to check how much oil is in it, but couldn't get the can off. I unscrewed the bottom - I'm assuming that's how you do it - but there is a metal pipe (aircon I think) right below it. No manner of pushing our pulling (within reason - I don't want to break anything) could get it to pass.
Do I really need to take the whole thing of the bracket to do this, or an I missing something here?

[Pradonut Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Pradonut]

I no longer have prado but the model now, I just take the dipstick out of the top and use a syringe and piece of tube to suck it out. I would guess this one's the same.