Shift Knob Removal...repercussions?

the_student · 04-25-2011, 12:07 AM

Okay, so I had my old 2009 370Z and switched out the shift knob without any problems. As you know you should grip the base as well as the knob itself to take it off. That Z is gone...RIP. Not my fault nor was I even in the car when it happened.

Anyway, yesterday I got a new Z, basically the same exact type. So I got a Nismo Shift knob and thought I would take off the stock one again. I thought it wouldnt be that hard. Boy was I wrong, it was way harder than last time. I had a piece of thick rubber around the bottom shaft with strong pliers holding it. As I was turning the shift knob taking it off, it actually was spinning and I had thought that it had gotten loose. And so I turned it a couple of full revolutions thinking that it would loosen up more. I was wondering what was happening but the bottom shaft actually spun with the knob and the knob wasnt really gettting loose. I was very scared that I just effed up my transmission, So I turned on my car and shifted it through all the gears while driving it to see what I had done. Surprisingly, nothing seems to be broken....Thank God. Anyway I just held the bottom shaft on the bare metal and taking off the knob was a lot better.

I was just wondering about things I should look for or feel while driving that would tell me something is wrong with my tranny? So far it feels normal while shifting and engaging gears while semi pushing it. I hope I dont pay for it later on.

RedBullRR · 05-11-2011, 11:44 AM

FML I cant get this fkn shift knob off with out destroying it. And I want to keep it for winter.

weiboy718 · 05-11-2011, 02:52 PM

YOu're on the right track. It's best to have a friend to help you out imo. On mines I used the same method, a piece of rubber hose wrapped on the shaft with a vice grip. Then I used the belt strap on the knob itself for the turning. The belt won't scratch up or destroy the knob since there's no teeth like those channel locks what most people uses. Should give that a try.

CATCHINZZZS · 05-11-2011, 03:08 PM

MIne was such a b.... to take off that loctite was serious

WhiskeyHotel · 05-11-2011, 04:59 PM

There's a great DIY on this somewhere here. I used that as a guide. It was tight but came off undamaged. No regrets on my new TVM type R.

SE · 05-11-2011, 05:03 PM

Mark-

Bring your shift knob along when you install the suspension/exhaust with us and we'll take care of you.

EDIT: Re-read your comment. The way the shifter is mounted it is next to impossible to damage the transmission by spinning the shift knob. I typically like to put the transmission in gear so there's less side to side play. I'm doubtful that you damaged anything- if anything the shifter assembly may have slightly rotated, and if it did the effects would be immediately apparent like not being able to get into gear fully, grinding during engagement, etc. If you want, I can check it out free of charge.

shadoquad · 05-11-2011, 05:11 PM

Some of these knobs are harder to take off than others. It depends on the amount of loctite applied and other conditions.

I couldn't remove mine without destroying it. I used a channel lock to hold the shaft in place and then used a basic rubber strap wrench to twist the knob off. Well, the strap wrench generated so much torque that it literally squeezed and warped the knob enough to separate the leather on top.

But it gave me an excuse to buy a replacement

the_student · 05-11-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VICTORxSE

Mark-

Bring your shift knob along when you install the suspension/exhaust with us and we'll take care of you.

EDIT: Re-read your comment. The way the shifter is mounted it is next to impossible to damage the transmission by spinning the shift knob. I typically like to put the transmission in gear so there's less side to side play. I'm doubtful that you damaged anything- if anything the shifter assembly may have slightly rotated, and if it did the effects would be immediately apparent like not being able to get into gear fully, grinding during engagement, etc. If you want, I can check it out free of charge.

Thanks victor. My tranny feels fine. Engagements of gears are working normal so far. Yeah if you could check it out that would be cool.

Anyway my shift knob feels great. I've had the PW JDM one in my previous Z and the nismo one I have now feels just as good...it's just more expensive lol =/

psibrr · 03-11-2012, 12:24 PM

two dealer sites here won't touch knob replacement for me. one said 'too tight', other said, 'will damange console and won't look good afterwards.'

found these instrux re: Loctite RG&B,

..

Things You'll Need

*Proper-sized end wrench or socket
*Impact wrench ( handheld or air powered)
*Propane torch (optional)
*Heat gun (optional)
*Soldering iron (optional)

Read more: How to Remove Loctite Bolts | eHow.com How to Remove Loctite Bolts | eHow.com

ccdominic · 03-11-2012, 01:30 PM

I lucked out and mine spun right off by hand. Had no lock right. I wonder mine seems to be the only one. Good luck getting urs off.

SPOHN · 03-11-2012, 05:56 PM

Guess it depends on what day it was made on.

370ZilverZ · 03-11-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpeedElement

Mark-

Bring your shift knob along when you install the suspension/exhaust with us and we'll take care of you.

EDIT: Re-read your comment. The way the shifter is mounted it is next to impossible to damage the transmission by spinning the shift knob. I typically like to put the transmission in gear so there's less side to side play. I'm doubtful that you damaged anything- if anything the shifter assembly may have slightly rotated, and if it did the effects would be immediately apparent like not being able to get into gear fully, grinding during engagement, etc. If you want, I can check it out free of charge.

+1 for great vendor support!

RafPR · 12-02-2013, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_student

Okay, so I had my old 2009 370Z and switched out the shift knob without any problems. As you know you should grip the base as well as the knob itself to take it off. That Z is gone...RIP. Not my fault nor was I even in the car when it happened.

Anyway, yesterday I got a new Z, basically the same exact type. So I got a Nismo Shift knob and thought I would take off the stock one again. I thought it wouldnt be that hard. Boy was I wrong, it was way harder than last time. I had a piece of thick rubber around the bottom shaft with strong pliers holding it. As I was turning the shift knob taking it off, it actually was spinning and I had thought that it had gotten loose. And so I turned it a couple of full revolutions thinking that it would loosen up more. I was wondering what was happening but the bottom shaft actually spun with the knob and the knob wasnt really gettting loose. I was very scared that I just effed up my transmission, So I turned on my car and shifted it through all the gears while driving it to see what I had done. Surprisingly, nothing seems to be broken....Thank God. Anyway I just held the bottom shaft on the bare metal and taking off the knob was a lot better.

I was just wondering about things I should look for or feel while driving that would tell me something is wrong with my tranny? So far it feels normal while shifting and engaging gears while semi pushing it. I hope I dont pay for it later on.

You never had an issue after the shifter shaft spun????? It happened to me today, while I was readjusting my Tommy Kaira and put some loctite to aligned it.... It just end up 1/8" higher than when i first installed it, and ths shaft spun few turns... I am afraid I damage something.... I did as you, and drive the car and shift, and everything seems normal....

Let me know how everything has being after your shifter shaft spun...

Thanks.

1slow370 · 12-02-2013, 11:21 PM

the shaft spun a few turns? yeah you might have an issue considering it is bolted to linkage on the bottom and shouldn't be able to spin at all. Either you broke something or it didn't really spin, if you unbolted the linkage first then yeah it would spin but it wouldn't harm anything.

Edit: I would say it is more likely if it indeed did spin then you are more likely to have weakend the actual shifter itself and not the transmission if it still drives fine. it looks like the factory shifter is made from two pieces that are pressed and welded together maybe so you may have spun the top part of it and possible broken the spot welds, but even then i don't know if you are going to see any real problems with it.

RafPR · 12-03-2013, 05:08 AM

It still very very tight.... Maybe I should buy a new shifter and replace the oem....

I hope I didn't damage anything.

04-25-2011, 12:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
the_student Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: bay area Posts: 522 Drives: '13 LE 4runner Rep Power: 17	Shift Knob Removal...repercussions? Okay, so I had my old 2009 370Z and switched out the shift knob without any problems. As you know you should grip the base as well as the knob itself to take it off. That Z is gone...RIP. Not my fault nor was I even in the car when it happened. Anyway, yesterday I got a new Z, basically the same exact type. So I got a Nismo Shift knob and thought I would take off the stock one again. I thought it wouldnt be that hard. Boy was I wrong, it was way harder than last time. I had a piece of thick rubber around the bottom shaft with strong pliers holding it. As I was turning the shift knob taking it off, it actually was spinning and I had thought that it had gotten loose. And so I turned it a couple of full revolutions thinking that it would loosen up more. I was wondering what was happening but the bottom shaft actually spun with the knob and the knob wasnt really gettting loose. I was very scared that I just effed up my transmission, So I turned on my car and shifted it through all the gears while driving it to see what I had done. Surprisingly, nothing seems to be broken....Thank God. Anyway I just held the bottom shaft on the bare metal and taking off the knob was a lot better. I was just wondering about things I should look for or feel while driving that would tell me something is wrong with my tranny? So far it feels normal while shifting and engaging gears while semi pushing it. I hope I dont pay for it later on. __________________ 2009 370Z PW 6MT Base/Sport/KW/PWJDM/HKS...RIP. 2011 370Z PW 6MT Base/Sport...KW V3/HKS/TE37 SL/Clear Bra

05-11-2011, 11:44 AM	#2 (permalink)
RedBullRR Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 336 Drives: 2010 370Z Red Rep Power: 15	FML I cant get this fkn shift knob off with out destroying it. And I want to keep it for winter. __________________ 2010 Solid Red Z: Mods: Stillen G3 Intakes \| BC Coilovers \| H&R 20/25 Spacers \| Stillen Splitter \| Stillen LW Pullie TBI \| Red GTR Start \| LED Interior \| Kenwood Double Din

05-11-2011, 03:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
CATCHINZZZS Base Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NYC Posts: 221 Drives: 2010 370Z Rep Power: 14	MIne was such a b.... to take off that loctite was serious __________________ <a href="http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e227/2themax05/?action=view&current=SIGbyCHINO.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i40.photobucket.com/albums

05-11-2011, 05:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
SE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,236 Drives: 370z/STI/EVO X/IS-F Rep Power: 23	Mark- Bring your shift knob along when you install the suspension/exhaust with us and we'll take care of you. EDIT: Re-read your comment. The way the shifter is mounted it is next to impossible to damage the transmission by spinning the shift knob. I typically like to put the transmission in gear so there's less side to side play. I'm doubtful that you damaged anything- if anything the shifter assembly may have slightly rotated, and if it did the effects would be immediately apparent like not being able to get into gear fully, grinding during engagement, etc. If you want, I can check it out free of charge. Last edited by SE; 05-11-2011 at 05:12 PM.

05-11-2011, 05:11 PM	#7 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	Some of these knobs are harder to take off than others. It depends on the amount of loctite applied and other conditions. I couldn't remove mine without destroying it. I used a channel lock to hold the shaft in place and then used a basic rubber strap wrench to twist the knob off. Well, the strap wrench generated so much torque that it literally squeezed and warped the knob enough to separate the leather on top. But it gave me an excuse to buy a replacement JARblue and RafPR like this.

05-11-2011, 02:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
weiboy718 Track Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bay Area Posts: 923 Drives: Infiniti G37 Rep Power: 16	YOu're on the right track. It's best to have a friend to help you out imo. On mines I used the same method, a piece of rubber hose wrapped on the shaft with a vice grip. Then I used the belt strap on the knob itself for the turning. The belt won't scratch up or destroy the knob since there's no teeth like those channel locks what most people uses. Should give that a try.

05-11-2011, 04:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
WhiskeyHotel Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 530 Drives: 2015 GT-R PW Premium Rep Power: 17	There's a great DIY on this somewhere here. I used that as a guide. It was tight but came off undamaged. No regrets on my new TVM type R.

03-11-2012, 12:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
psibrr Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: jax, fl Posts: 19 Drives: 12 370z MT S/P BC Rep Power: 16	loctite, loctiter, loctitest two dealer sites here won't touch knob replacement for me. one said 'too tight', other said, 'will damange console and won't look good afterwards.' found these instrux re: Loctite RG&B, .. Things You'll Need Proper-sized end wrench or socket Impact wrench ( handheld or air powered) Propane torch (optional) Heat gun (optional) *Soldering iron (optional) Read more: How to Remove Loctite Bolts \| eHow.com How to Remove Loctite Bolts \| eHow.com

03-11-2012, 01:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
ccdominic Track Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 615 Drives: Built LS1/T56 RX7 FD Rep Power: 15	I lucked out and mine spun right off by hand. Had no lock right. I wonder mine seems to be the only one. Good luck getting urs off.

03-11-2012, 05:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 46 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 221	Guess it depends on what day it was made on. __________________

12-02-2013, 11:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
1slow370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: In the D Posts: 3,732 Drives: v8 74 260z ;) Rep Power: 7251	the shaft spun a few turns? yeah you might have an issue considering it is bolted to linkage on the bottom and shouldn't be able to spin at all. Either you broke something or it didn't really spin, if you unbolted the linkage first then yeah it would spin but it wouldn't harm anything. Edit: I would say it is more likely if it indeed did spin then you are more likely to have weakend the actual shifter itself and not the transmission if it still drives fine. it looks like the factory shifter is made from two pieces that are pressed and welded together maybe so you may have spun the top part of it and possible broken the spot welds, but even then i don't know if you are going to see any real problems with it. __________________ ANSWER PRICE LIST Answers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $0.75 Answers (requiring thought) - - - - $1.25 Answers (correct) - - - - - - - - - - $12.50 Last edited by 1slow370; 12-02-2013 at 11:32 PM.

12-03-2013, 05:08 AM	#15 (permalink)
RafPR Base Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 86 Drives: '13 370Z GM SP M6 Rep Power: 12	It still very very tight.... Maybe I should buy a new shifter and replace the oem.... I hope I didn't damage anything. __________________ '13 370Z Gun Metallic Sport Package MT

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
best shift knob	nismo42	Exterior & Interior	419	08-18-2023 02:01 AM
OEM shift knob removal (SEARCHED)	FromG2Z	Exterior & Interior	171	09-09-2016 05:57 PM
DIY: AT Shift knob removal/replacement	Imtired	DIY Section (Do-It-Yourself)	43	04-07-2016 11:24 AM
AT Knob Removal - Help.	chippy	Exterior & Interior	30	11-08-2010 03:58 PM
S2K Aluminum shift knob to replace OEM knob	initialgemini	Exterior & Interior	12	04-19-2009 03:56 PM