Gear Stick Knob

[toimr2]

Hi
I have recently obtained a 1989 MX5 and noticed that the rubber boot to the transmission cover is damaged and needs to be replaced.

My main problem is that I cannot unscrew the gear knob to take the console off. I am trying to unscrew it anticlockwise.

I have used a lot of force and am worried that if I use much more I will snap the end that sits in the gear box or damage the gear stick.

Has anyone experienced this problem?

Can anyone give me ideas on how I may be able to solve my problem.

Thanks

[egads]

Is it the stock gearknob? If it's aftermarket, there might be a locking screw on the side of it.

[spacepants_fb]

Like egads said, if it's an aftermarket gear knob, look for screws on the base of the knob which need to be loosened. Otherwise if it is a stock knob, then all you need to to is turn it anti - clocwise to get it off. I recently replaced the rubber boot myself ad it took all of 15 minutes to get it done.

[toimr2]

Thanks for the replies.
It think it is the stock knob. The only thing I can think of is that the previous owner has glued the knob to the stick.
I have had many cars in my lifetime and this is the only gear knob that I have not been able to unscrew.

I just had another look at the gear knob and it has the normal black top but at the very bottom I can see a white plastic piece. I think the black top probably fits over the top of this white piece that is probably the screw section of the knob.

I would appreciate anyone letting me know if they have the same white piece underneath their gear knob.
Thanks

[Locutus]

the white bit is part of the knob. i think the white piece is a threaded sleeve.

try warming up the shifter shaft with a hair dryer or similar, but be careful not to melt anything. you can also wrap the knob in something to protect it, and use vice grips or similar.

[JBT]

If the knob has never been removed, it can be pretty much stuck to the thread and may need great force to twist it off.

[toimr2]

Thanks everyone for your comments.
I eventually got the knob off however it was very difficult.

The way I did it was to remove the console and gear stick together from the gear box , then unscrew the leather boot cover from the gear stick.
This left just the gear stick with the knob attached.
I held the gear stick in a vice and used a self tightenig pipe wrench on the knob. After some effort it unscrewed and luckily no damage to any part.

Both rubber boots have been replaced and I am very happy.

Cheers