OEM shift knob removal (SEARCHED)

FromG2Z

ALRIGHT!!! Thank you to everyone on this forum. I got it done! I used a combination of everyone's suggestions and it worked like a charm

So I used:

1) Robo-grip pliers and rubber protection on plier teeth (both from Sears)
2) Strap wrench (from Sears)

That's it!

Since the Robo-grip pliers had the red rubber protection, I used my left hand and gripped it straight on the shaft after lowering the boot. No marring on the shaft. Then I used my right hand on the strap wrench straight on the stock knob. Voila! It gave IMMEDIATELY. No marring on the knob whatsoever. It was a matter of having the right tools and the right leverage. That stock knob was on there tight though, after loosening it with the strap wrench, I figured I could just loosen it the rest of the way with my hands... but I was wrong. I pretty much had to use the strap wrench all the way till the knob was almost off.



This was my setup. You can see the robo pliers on the left, and the strap wrench on the knob. What a wonderful combo.






Stock knob is off!!! No damage to it (front and back)!!! Look at ALL that Loctite on the shaft threads!!!






And here she is all installed!!! I love it!!!




I was surprised the whole affair took me 15 minutes total... just needed the right tools... amazing. I love the new Nismo knob on there. I haven't driven her yet, but am looking forward to it!!! It looks and feels good though however... exactly the look I am looking for.

Thank you again to EVERYone who chimed in and the existing DYI's posted in this forum. You guys are a tremendous help.

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2012 5.0 GT Prem, Kona Blue, 6MT, HID, Brembo, 3.73 -- Ordered: 9/20/11, Born on: 10/20/11, Delivered 11/15/11"Marilyn" GT500 mufflers/flaps, MGW shifter, FRPP K springs, BMR panhard bar, Boss coil covers, 3DC spoiler, Llumar Tint (35% and 20%), 3M ClearBra

ProfessorDave

Looks good!

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Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

sg350z

If you havent sold it Id be interested in buying it.

1slow370

i just grabbed both peices with my hands and twisted like a SOB to get it off

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FromG2Z

Thanks, Dave and Jeff. Yes I agree, the degree of difficulty with the knob removal that ALL of us have been seeing is due to the amount of Loctite that is used by the factory. Tell you what though, with that strap wrench, the amount of leverage I had was impressive. I mean, some folks use two people, one to hold the shifter shaft with pliers, and the other to turn the knob. I literally held each with one hand, and the stock knob turned immediately. And I'm not saying I'm Hulk Hogan either I really think out of all the methods that were used, this is one of, if not, the easiest way to remove the shift knob, period.

Yes sir. I did. I didn't really hold both knobs side by side or hand in hand. Thinking back, I probably should have But I can almost say that the stock knob is heavier by a tad, but the nismo knob is very solid-feeling. I like the joystick feel it gives me, with the option to an top grip also. When I get more miles on it, I can post a review.

I am sorry but I plan to keep the stock knob. Though I like the looks and "initial" feel of the nismo knob, I would like the option to switch back to it if it doesn't feel right or if I want a change.

WHAT? Do you mean to say you used your bare hands?!?!?! One of the shifter shaft beneath the console??? and one on the shift knob itself and just turned?????? If indeed you did, that is impressive.

Hulk Hogan IS in the house

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2012 5.0 GT Prem, Kona Blue, 6MT, HID, Brembo, 3.73 -- Ordered: 9/20/11, Born on: 10/20/11, Delivered 11/15/11"Marilyn" GT500 mufflers/flaps, MGW shifter, FRPP K springs, BMR panhard bar, Boss coil covers, 3DC spoiler, Llumar Tint (35% and 20%), 3M ClearBra

morgan

Thanks! I tried to get mine off last week and thought I was going to rip the whole shifter out so stopped after a couple twists. Here i come Sears.

Ss751827

After giving it some carefull thought I pulled the trigger and installed a z-car shifter. I followed the instructions from what you guys have previously posted : duct taped the shift knob, channel locked the shifter under the boot, used a strap and with a little leverage it came off,,, thanks guys my original knob is intact.

beharris

This technique worked perfectly and the Password JDM fits nicely.

Ricky_t98

Where did you get the nismo titanium shift knob?

cooltoy

How does Google mange to stay in business, I'll never know.

Motorsport! NISMO Titanium Shift Knob, 300ZX-350Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z 260Z 280Z 280ZX 300ZX ( Z31 Z32 ) 350Z 370Z Parts

Shift Knobs - Nissan 370Z / 350Z Nismo Titanium Shift Knob

Nismo Titanium Shift Knob

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charnathan

too bad most places are sold out of it. Maybe you should note that before you create a smart@$$ remark.

I do question the validity of your second link. The only reason why is because Courtesy Nissan had it listed on several links as "in stock" and they cancelled my order. I had to call them and they said they are completely sold out and have been for years.

But very jealous of those who do have the titanium shift knob.

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2014 Nismo #0614 Magnetic Black (stock for now...)

David0876

What do you think about using 2 strap wrenches for bottom and top? Instead using a Robo-grip pliers.

Jeffblue

nice job OP. I think a lot of it depends on how much locktite they put on as well

this is textbook example of how it should be done though.

mr_sparkle

did you get the titanium nismo knob? how's the weight compared to the stock knob?

svmtbman

So what are the consequences of turning the shaft when trying to remove the factory knob? I twisted mine about half way around thinking the knob was coming off only to find my pliers on the shaft were slipping. I finally got the knob off but ended up destroying it in the process, it would not budge using the strap method. I also managed to get a small cut in the shift boot in the process so I've ordered a new one from Redline. I put my Vodoo countersunk knob that I had from my S2000 but I may order a Nismo knob to have another option. Has anyone here tried the Password JDM knob?

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2011 Pearl White, Persimmon, Touring, Sport, Navigation, 6sp - PW JDM shift knob, Invidia Gemini CBE, aFe dry filters, HPS intake tubes, JDM fog light, Redline shift boot, LED interior lights, Z1 hood struts, and 30% tint.