Gear knob removal - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

TomKimbrough · 01-03-2018, 10:10 AM

I have a '99 Boxster with 5-speed manual. I want to change the gear knob, but I can't locate any Allen set screw as mentioned in my Bentley service manual. I also can't simply pull it off as Pelican Parts mentions. Any suggestions??

RobertKing · 01-04-2018, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomKimbrough

I have a '99 Boxster with 5-speed manual. I want to change the gear knob, but I can't locate any Allen set screw as mentioned in my Bentley service manual. I also can't simply pull it off as Pelican Parts mentions. Any suggestions??

In some cases, you have to twist the bottom portion of the knob counter clockwise to release it. In others, it's clockwise. Aftermarket generally has set screws.

Geof3 · 01-04-2018, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomKimbrough

I have a '99 Boxster with 5-speed manual. I want to change the gear knob, but I can't locate any Allen set screw as mentioned in my Bentley service manual. I also can't simply pull it off as Pelican Parts mentions. Any suggestions??

Hmm, not sure what twists on any stock shifter? Never seen a lock ring or otherwise? It should pull straight off. It takes more effort that you think.

RobertKing · 01-04-2018, 10:47 PM

If it can be removed simply by force, I'd rather drive a chevy.

Geof3 · 01-04-2018, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertKing

If it can be removed simply by force, I'd rather drive a chevy.

They are just pressed on... aftermarkets require a set screw of some sort but stock are press fit. Even my GT3 shift knob presses on. Very secure. No issues.

itsnotanova · 01-05-2018, 03:57 AM

The shifter knob is removed by pulling straight up. Make sure you don't smack yourself in the face once it comes loose. Some replacement boots have a screw holding them on

RedTele58 · 01-05-2018, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

The shifter knob is removed by pulling straight up. Make sure you don't smack yourself in the face once it comes loose.

^^^^^^^
This.
Ask me how I know.

thstone · 01-05-2018, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geof3

It should pull straight off. It takes more effort that you think.

Yes, it takes way more force to pull it off than you would ever expect. And yes, you're likely to smack yourself in the face when it comes loose!

rfuerst911sc · 01-05-2018, 10:27 AM

If possible lower the top , that way you can straddle the shifter and pull up with force . Doing it this way you won't smack your face but you do put Mr. Johnson in harms way ! Be safe out there .

Quadcammer · 01-05-2018, 10:49 AM

I think some oem knobs use a set screw. That will likely be right where the top of the boot is on the front or the back.

356Guy · 01-05-2018, 01:48 PM

I used a slide hammer. It makes it very easy.

Geof3 · 01-06-2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 356Guy

I used a slide hammer. It makes it very easy.

How did you go about that? How did you mount the slide hammer?

RobertKing · 01-07-2018, 02:43 AM

In most cases, the original can be removed by twisting the lower portion of the knob counter clockwise. If there is no set screw, this is how they were originally locked in place.

356Guy · 01-07-2018, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geof3

How did you go about that? How did you mount the slide hammer?

It came with some thread on adapters. I used the L shaped adapter underneath the knob. One quick little pop and off it came.

dghii · 01-07-2018, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

The shifter knob is removed by pulling straight up. Make sure you don't smack yourself in the face once it comes loose. Some replacement boots have a screw holding them on

I did the same when pulling the Wood Nardi steering wheel off on my X1/9 when I was 20 years old.....hit me right across the bridge of the nose and knocked my silly for a few seconds!
I remember sitting in the drivers seat with the wheel in my hands thinking "What the h_ll just happened!??"

particlewave · 01-07-2018, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertKing

In most cases, the original can be removed by twisting the lower portion of the knob counter clockwise. If there is no set screw, this is how they were originally locked in place.

No. They pull straight up and off, as everyone else has already pointed out.

I guess you'll be hitting the Chevy dealerships tomorrow.

itsnotanova · 01-07-2018, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dghii

I did the same when pulling the Wood Nardi steering wheel off on my X1/9 when I was 20 years old.....hit me right across the bridge of the nose and knocked my silly for a few seconds!
I remember sitting in the drivers seat with the wheel in my hands thinking "What the h_ll just happened!??"

LOL, I did the same thing trying to remove the pulley off a bug generator when I was that age. I hit myself right between the eyes. Now I have a small scar to remind me not to do that anymore. The benefit of getting older is it looks like a wrinkle now

MikeMcMo · 01-07-2018, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

LOL, I did the same thing trying to remove the pulley off a bug generator when I was that age. I hit myself right between the eyes. Now I have a small scar to remind me not to do that anymore. The benefit of getting older is it looks like a wrinkle now

Hey Woody, Can you tell us why you go by It'sNotANova? Wonder if there's a good story there...

Geof3 · 01-07-2018, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 356Guy

It came with some thread on adapters. I used the L shaped adapter underneath the knob. One quick little pop and off it came.

Ah! Very nice! Beats a knob in the chops!

Geof3 · 01-07-2018, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertKing

In most cases, the original can be removed by twisting the lower portion of the knob counter clockwise. If there is no set screw, this is how they were originally locked in place.

Dude, why did you post this info a second time?

It just not correct...