Shift knob removal

Post by **rmmagow** » 04 May 2012, 13:11

Ugh, this thread reminds me of some youth-time foolishness trying to install a windshield in a VW bug. I was using a screwdriver to work the rubber seal over the lip inside, slipped and stabbed myself right in the nostril. It's bringing tears to my eyes just remembering this from more than 40 years ago

Gubernaculum · Post by **Gubernaculum** » 04 May 2012, 13:13

Storytime: I once removed a shift knob from a manual BMW e30 and elbowed the windshield out when it popped loose. Learn from my fail.

Post by **Thunderbox** » 04 May 2012, 16:15

Can someone speak to what confused said about the front and rear tabs and squeezing them? I am heading back this weekend for a hood and would like another crack at the shift knob.

Post by **rspi** » 04 May 2012, 17:32

Give it a good wack on then pull it off.

PDLarson · Post by **PDLarson** » 05 May 2012, 00:54

About the $75, I figured if they did call it would be chewed up by whatever tools they used on it and I wouldn't have bought it but I just knew there was no way they would get it or even try to do it. So I made the offer doubting that they would even try. If they got it off and it was still perfect, yes I would have paid them. The part is about $100 new the last time I checked. And that is how perfect this one was, no scratches, bleeching, perfect button, it looked like someone did just put a brand new one on there. Stabbed in the nostril, OUCH! I didn't do anything that bad but I was in pain when I left the JY after pulling hunched over for so long.

Post by **Thunderbox** » 09 May 2012, 16:43

Ok so I get to the junk yard, the shift knob on the S70 is exactly what I want. I brace myself for a battle of wits. I disconnect the leather trim piece from the bottom and put it in neutral and up it comes with no problem. so I smugly head home to swap out my new prize and after fighting for an hour with tools, sweat and lots of swearing I had given up for now. I am ready to cut the old knob off but I could not remember what was underneath. I my excitement of getting the new knob I didn't take time to see what was under it. I plan to use a dremel to cut out the old knob. any tips or thoughts?

Post by **cmblackburn** » 09 May 2012, 18:01

Woah there! don't cut it off. Just PULLL! Anchor your legs down and pull with all your might, Just don't punch yourself in the face when it comes off like I did ;D
FWIW, I got my wood shift knob from a 2000 S40 for $2 at the local LKQ.

SHAKAMAMBUTU89 · Post by **SHAKAMAMBUTU89** » 10 May 2012, 09:41

Lol! If you try to cut it off you will screw up the whole knob and you might have to buy even more things to fix it!!! Trust me, it's not as bad as fixing the upper mount

. Try to vigorously pull it left and right while pulling upwards too. Hope it helps

Post by **Thunderbox** » 11 May 2012, 16:47

I am willing to destroy the knob as I have a replacement. From my visit to the yard today it looks like I can cut up the side of the old knob and peel it away. The only thing I can think of is the PO has somehow glued the old knob on. Gonna give it a try this weekend. I don't intend to get into the metal underneath just get the old loosened and then peel it off.

Post by **cmblackburn** » 12 May 2012, 04:33

As far as I've read none of us have ever had to resort to chopping the knob off. There's no reason a PO should have glued it down... But pop the boot down and look up in there. I imagine if it was glued there would be glue holding the boot to it too. Keep in mind that these knobs are pressure-fitted and have to put down the little black rod to let you put your car in gear when you depress the shift button. You just need to pull pull pull, I can't stress enough. And if your shifter button on the old knob is good, it's worth taking off in one piece... I ended up combining 3 shift knobs into one working one when it all was said and done.
Plus, the little rectangular metal rod the shift knob attaches to looks easily damaged. So go out, if you think you're using too much force you're not- get that thing off of there!

I'm curious, are you replacing with a wooden knob?

Shift knob removal

Re: Shift knob removal