Centre Console - gear knob

rpost77 · Postby **rpost77** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 12:26 pm

Hi,

I have a new centre console for my 1991 MX5. To replace the existing one, I need to remove the gear knob but I can't for the life of me figure out how to do this.

I have a workshop manual that usefully doesn't describe how to remove it and I have googled how to but had no luck (some posts say to twist the knob anti-clockwise but doing this with all my strength had no result (and I started getting worried I would break something)).

Anyone have any idea how to remove the gear knob?

Any and all help appreciated.

Mr_Q · Postby **Mr_Q** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:23 pm

If it's the standard gear knob then yes you just twist anti-clockwise. Mine was extremely hard to twist off the first time. I ended up using one of those kitchen "jar opener" rubber grip things which helped a bit.

Techno · Postby **Techno** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 1:24 pm

If it is an original knob then turning anti clockwise is the way to remove it. The knob has a nylon insert which containes the thread. It is not unusual for locktight to be used to hold it firm or for the heat transfer to make the threads bind.

The gear lever is round and graduated at the bottom which make it extremely difficult to hold while force is used to remove the knob.

Since you are going to replace the console why not just cut the top collar of the top boot. Then you can remove the console, take off both lower boots, release the whole of the gear sick (watch for the nylon button underneath the stick). Put the whole of the thing in a vice and then use as much force as you can to undo the knob.

Replacement of the bottom boots, change the oil in the well, replace the nylon button, repack the sound deadener and new console. You wont be finished that in an hour, give yourself an afternoon .... take pictures on your way through so that you can reassemble as it was.

Good luck.

Rob

Postby **Okibi** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 2:59 pm

Techno wrote:.... Put the whole of the thing in a vice and then use as much force as you can to undo the knob...

YIKES ! be careful you don't damage the ball part of the shifter putting it in a vice. :shock:

Techno · Postby **Techno** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 5:31 pm

Okibi wrote:
Techno wrote:.... Put the whole of the thing in a vice and then use as much force as you can to undo the knob...

YIKES ! be careful you don't damage the ball part of the shifter putting it in a vice.

I am certainly not suggesting putting the ball in the vice.