removing lower shift boot HELP!!!!

[grump]

I know i should have a workshop manual, but I haven't as yet, next to get on the list. problem is how do i get the old boot off the gear lever and get the new one on. the diameter of the gear stick is greater than the hole in the middle of the boot. I see there is a pin through the gear lever about half way up , but when i push it it wants to spring back, its only about 1.5mm thick. I don't want to get forcefull and break anything. can anyone help?

[marcusus]

When I changed mine, I just cut the damn thing off. I was replacing it, so I figured it wouldn't matter.

Alternatively, miata.net has some info about removing it here. Just scroll down to the section headed by "Removing the Lower Shift Boot to Reuse It". It's almost at the bottom of the page.

[Steampunk]

2 people, 2 flat-head screwdrivers, lots and patience, lots of swearing, and it can be done

[GP14]

2 people, 2 flat-head screwdrivers, lots and patience, lots of swearing, and it can be done

I 2nd that

[JBT]

Cut the old one off. The new one slips down over the the gear lever from the threaded end. Yes, it will slide down the lever without splitting but you need to use a smear of lubricant to help it.

[Matty]

Cut the old one off. The new one slips down over the the gear lever from the threaded end. Yes, it will slide down the lever without splitting but you need to use a smear of lubricant to help it.

what he said.

[SPy vs. SPy]

Cut the old one off. The new one slips down over the the gear lever from the threaded end. Yes, it will slide down the lever without splitting but you need to use a smear of lubricant to help it.

what he said.

Ditto, and exactly what I said to do in the latest Club Mag

[grump]

thanks guys, I didn't try getting the old one off as i just took one look and went, what the!!!! so i'll venture out to the work shop a bit later after i've had a couple of mugs full of patience

[oongie]

x2 on the swearing, lube and patience