This Darned Shifter
 

I'm planning on replacing the torn up shifter knob and boot on my boxster, and I know that the shifter doesn't unscrew, but rather has to be pulled up. The problem I'm facing, is that despite my best efforts, that thing is on there. My question is, is there any way to get it to come off more easily, rather than just yanking on the knob until I inevitably hit myself in the face?

If you have the upgraded (real aluminum/leather knob), the knob doesn't just pull off...there's an Allen bolt on the underside that has to be unscrewed first. If you have the standard knob (vinyl/fake aluminum paint) that comes with the car, you pull it off. To make it easier to do so, put the gear knob in 2nd gear and pull it towards your chest.

Get it warm by parking inside or slowly and gently warming with a hair dryer, then twist it back and forth to loosen it before pulling. ;)

The knob underneath the leather is a solid hard rubber, so it's not going to give much if cold.

What both guys above say. And be careful or you'll pop yourself in the face when it finally releases.
Ask me how I know.:eek:

How do you know? :D

Almost did the same on the 911.

Okay I have the old black vinyl/fake leather style, just pull up on it right? I'll try taking a hair dryer to it and see if it loosens up

If you can lower the top and stand/straddle the console . Gives you a LOT more leverage just be careful not to hit your sack/johnson !!!

Definitely twist it back and forth before trying to pull it off. I took my buddies off for him. It came off pretty easy after I twisted it a few times.

Have you tried talking sweetly to it? If that doesn't work, start cursing at it. Works for me

Irresistible.....

You sweet talk another mans knob?!?

Please set up a video camera to record the shift knob to the face (or sack) action. Post video here! :D

That's what she said.

I have done this; take two larger size screwdrivers. Place one blade on one side of the bottom of the knob and the other blade on other side. And, have a handle in each hand. Now, pull up. And, when it breaks free and slaps you in the face.... you're done!

Ask him how he knows.

The folks in my office were looking at me like I was an idiot for laughing while reading these posts. Damn, this is a funny thread! BTW, how do you know???

Juveniles entertained by some sack/knob chatter. Reminds me of Beavis and Butthead!!!

Heh, heh, heh . . . . He said sack/knob.

Speaking of shifters, has anyone thought about trying to make a gated shifter "a la ferrari style" for the Boxster?

Gated shifter on sweet '85 5-speed - Rennlist Discussion Forums

I think there was some discussion on this in Ben006's ball bearing shifter thread.

Okay so I've got it off and now I'm going to order a new knob and boot, but have a couple questions. First of all, are aftermarket knobs a good decision? I don't personally care for the factory style. And second, if I do go for an aftermarket knob, will any boot fit if I cut it a little bit? Otherwise the only boot that I can find that fits the car is an ugly red/black combo from momo