Shift knob install and drivetrain damage.
 

Hey guys,

I'm trying to get a definite answer on whether or not I need to remove the console cover to replace my shift knob. Ideally, i would like to just be able to not remove anything and loosen the knob, but apparently the knobs are on so tight that exerting that kinda force on the shifter may cause some damage. How many of you guys have been able to just twist off the OEM knob without holding the shifter via vice grip or anything like that? How tight was it? I tried twisting it off by itself with my hands yesterday and even with a pretty good amount of force, it wouldn't come off. Opinions? THanks in advance.

Tim

It doesn't take a lot of effort getting underneath. All you need to do is grab in with two hands and slowly pull up the console cover. You wouldn't want to just twist it. Taking it out the first time around for me was very hard. I had to badly tear apart the OEM knob. Just grab a couple of vice grips. Twist and check if the bottom part is twisting along with the knob. I'm pretty sure this was already discussed in the DIY. Hope this helps.

thanks for the advice, i think im gonna go with your advice. Where are the clips located at? where should i pull? should i pull on the 2 sides of the shift boot or top and bottom? thanks again.

You should be able to get a trim tool under the silver ring and slowly lift up (or push down on/in the leather, and pull up from the bottom). The trim ring should just pop off.

WARNING: Be prepared. Tape the area around the ring to avoid scratches. Once you pop the ring off, there really isn't a good place for it to go (until you remove the knob). If you leave it loose it will flop around, and the metal clips that hold it in place will scratch the hell out of your center console. Either tape the surrounding area, or tape over the metal clips (or be like me and do both).

Got it. So no preference to where i pull? just pick two points on the ring and pull? i would like to know where the clips are so i can pull on those locations.

Yeah just reach under the silver ring and pull up, won't be hard.

My shift knob spun right off with a strap wrench, and yes, definitely use something to prvent the shaft from spinning while your loosening the knob. Also with the strap wrench there was no damage to the shift knob.

just finished installing the shift knob. TWM 440 gram type r knob with engraving. I don't know how in the bloody hell those stock knobs are tightened but they wouldn't let go until i've turned it maybe 10 times. I'm glad i decided to hold down the shaft with a vice grip - i think the darn thing woulda ripped apart the entire tranny if i didnt. Everything else was pretty self explanatory and i used small black zip ties to tie the boot. Loving the new knob - makes shifting so much smoother and takes away the shifter vibration significantly as well. Thanks for all your help guys.

Glad it worked out.

Post a pic if you can!

funny story gentlemen, I took my stock knob off with my bare hands, got a bit of carpet burn on my left hand, but a few good hard twists got it off, while its good practice to hold the shaft with grips while simultaneously twisting, it really has no effect on your transmission, btw, this shift knob is the truth.. VVVV

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/i...65b86e04b9.jpg

Looks nice, but I can't believe that something as simple in other car as changing a shift knob can be so difficult in the Z to change. :shakes head:

The Z is special. Especially in those sensitive parts. You gotta be gentle.

I just replaced my stock shift knob for a nismo CF. I really like it and it was not that hard. With the nismo shift knob came a set of instructions. Nissan says in order to remove your shift knob you need two pieces of radiator hose. Lift up on the console to get at the actually shifter. Then wrap a piece of radiator hose around the shifter. After wrap another piece around the shift knob. Use two set of channel locks to hold both pieces of radiator hose and then twist the shift knob off.

:rofl2:

Some jerk broke into my z and twisted the shift knob 90 degrees counter clockwise. I doubt he used a wrench to prevent the shaft from twisting. Taking the car into the dealer on Saturday to check it out - but it drives fine so I doubt there is tranny damage. Lesson here: remember to lock your damn cars.

Took my car to a dealership today to take off my stock knob, I told him i brought it in because i didnt want to go through the hassle of taking off the whole assembly as described in a DIY here somewhere.

A Mechanic told me its ok to twist off the knob since the shaft is not directly in the transmission?

Yeah, i was confused, but he took off the knob (without damage) with a strap wrench and a towel. It hurt to see him apply so much force to the knob, but eventually it let loose.

Someone tell me that i did not just screw myself over with this tranny.

the car seems to run fine, and gears are smooth. no problems in performance or sound... as of yet... =( i had a feeling of being happy and sad at the same time.