OEM shift knob removal (SEARCHED)

FromG2Z · 03-21-2011, 10:01 AM

UPDATED!!! See my last post below for details and pics on how I successfully removed it!!!
================================================== ======================================

Okay, before you guys flame me, been searching for a while, and I know "HOW" to remove the stock knob, based on what I've been reading, but the problem is, I'm just not successful.

I read threads like this:
Nismo Titanium Shift Knob Open-O Design Installed

I did the exact same thing karotz did. I have the exact same nismo knob I want to install, but alas I am getting frustrated to the point I just want to put my channel locks DIRECTLY on the stock shift knob and damage it to hell. (That's just it, I don't want to damage it... I want to be able to go back to it if I don't like the feel of the nismo knob).

Anyways, I have the vise grips for the shaft base underneath the console, and channel locks for the shift knob. I also bought some plastic hosing, that I split open and spread apart to use as a cushion between the channel locks and the stock shift knob. So here's my questions:

1) Is this a 1 or 2 person job? Not sure how to get the right leverage within the confines of the vehicle.

but more importantly,
2) I have issues with SLIPPAGE, both on the shaft base and the stock shift knob. Do I not have it tight enough on the vise grip? Is there suppose to be a piece of hosing between the vise grips and the shaft too??? The hosing on the shift knob is slipping/spinning, so I can't get a good enough grip. I am not using a radiator hose, should I be using that instead??? And I'm thinking I don't have a big enough channel lock, that's why I can't get a good grip?!?!??

argggggggggggggh... help, it's frustratiing. I am also just worried about breaking the shifter assembly because of over torquing the shift knob. I'm almost to the point of just putting the channel lock right on the knob and twist away...

Liquid_G · 03-21-2011, 10:22 AM

I wrapped the stock knob with like 20 layers of duct tape, and used a pipe wrench to remove it. While the wife was in the car holding on to the shifter shaft with vice grips.

It was really hard to turn for most of the unscrewing.. that thing is on there super tight sometimes. It was a pain in the arse.

FromG2Z · 03-21-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I wrapped the stock knob with like 20 layers of duct tape, and used a pipe wrench to remove it. While the wife was in the car holding on to the shifter shaft with vice grips.

It was really hard to turn for most of the unscrewing.. that thing is on there super tight sometimes. It was a pain in the arse.

Thanks for the great idea. I might try that. Duct tape should be tacky enough that it won't slip, and I need to use enough layers to not indent the shift knob.

As far as the shift assembly, you lifted the console up and used vice grips right? So I'm assuming you pulled the boot down to expose the shifter surface, but did you use anything between the vise grips and the shifter itself? I tried a rag, but am experiencing slippage there too

kenchan · 03-21-2011, 11:07 AM

make sure you have someone hold the car on the outside too cause if you turn hard enough the car will turn with the knob.

good luck. those things can be a stubborn pita.

Liquid_G · 03-21-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromG2Z

Thanks for the great idea. I might try that. Duct tape should be tacky enough that it won't slip, and I need to use enough layers to not indent the shift knob.

As far as the shift assembly, you lifted the console up and used vice grips right? So I'm assuming you pulled the boot down to expose the shifter surface, but did you use anything between the vise grips and the shifter itself? I tried a rag, but am experiencing slippage there too

Right, there was some sort of black ring down there or something that we used the vise grips on. I figured since its covered by the shift boot I didn't car about marring it up.. Just to be clear too I used Locking Vice grips, not just channel locks.

Also put a layer of masking tape first on the shift knob before the duct tape, help get the adhesive from the duct tape from stickying (is that a word) up the stock knob.

kenchan · 03-21-2011, 12:06 PM

i think the official terminology is stickyfication.

FromG2Z · 03-21-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

Right, there was some sort of black ring down there or something that we used the vise grips on. I figured since its covered by the shift boot I didn't car about marring it up.. Just to be clear too I used Locking Vice grips, not just channel locks.

Also put a layer of masking tape first on the shift knob before the duct tape, help get the adhesive from the duct tape from stickying (is that a word) up the stock knob.

Ok, I did some more research and came across this:

DIY Shift Boot Install

So I went ahead and purchased a strap wrench and those locking pliers. I needed the strap wrench for my oil filters anyways, so why not. So I might try this route... use the strap wrench on the shift knob to avoid marring it up.

So based on this picture below, is this also what you did? It looks like E-licous actually used the vise grip on the rubber boot ring, not on the shaft itself... Was that the same ring your were talking about? And you were certain that when your wife held the vise grip in place to the shifter shaft, it didn't slip or turn as you worked on the shift knob???

shabarivas · 03-21-2011, 04:47 PM

^ would like to know about this as well

Liquid_G · 03-21-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FromG2Z

Ok, I did some more research and came across this:

DIY Shift Boot Install

So I went ahead and purchased a strap wrench and those locking pliers. I needed the strap wrench for my oil filters anyways, so why not. So I might try this route... use the strap wrench on the shift knob to avoid marring it up.

So based on this picture below, is this also what you did? It looks like E-licous actually used the vise grip on the rubber boot ring, not on the shaft itself... Was that the same ring your were talking about? And you were certain that when your wife held the vise grip in place to the shifter shaft, it didn't slip or turn as you worked on the shift knob???

Not 100% sure becuase I'm at work and can't see most pics (stupid fking websense web-filtering) I'll try to login in tonight and check. But I don't think it was on the boot ring.

spearfish25 · 03-21-2011, 08:29 PM

I keep thinking about doing this and then change my mind when I think of the potential risk/benefit balance.

ProfessorDave · 03-21-2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I wrapped the stock knob with like 20 layers of duct tape, and used a pipe wrench to remove it. While the wife was in the car holding on to the shifter shaft with vice grips.

It was really hard to turn for most of the unscrewing.. that thing is on there super tight sometimes. It was a pain in the arse.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

make sure you have someone hold the car on the outside too cause if you turn hard enough the car will turn with the knob.

While kenchan's idea would probably work, liquid's suggestion of a pipe wrench will work. Use channel lock on the shaft, wrap the knob (I used a towel) and get a plumbers style pipe wrench for the knob. It comes right off, with no damage to the stock knob.

Jeffblue · 03-21-2011, 09:27 PM

based on how hard it was to get the knob off when i did the short throw shifter install ( took the knob off after removing the entire shifter assembly) i can't imagine doing it if it was still in the car.

ProfessorDave · 03-21-2011, 09:33 PM

I have 2 words for you: Leverage.

Dembflyr · 03-21-2011, 09:37 PM

Yeah. I can't help you at all. I totally destroyed my stock knob. Too much locktite.

Good luck.

FromG2Z · 03-21-2011, 11:56 PM

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.

03-21-2011, 10:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
FromG2Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fields of Opportunities Posts: 1,406 Drives: '12 5.0, kona, 6MT Rep Power: 18	OEM shift knob removal (SEARCHED) UPDATED!!! See my last post below for details and pics on how I successfully removed it!!! ================================================== ====================================== Okay, before you guys flame me, been searching for a while, and I know "HOW" to remove the stock knob, based on what I've been reading, but the problem is, I'm just not successful. I read threads like this: Nismo Titanium Shift Knob Open-O Design Installed I did the exact same thing karotz did. I have the exact same nismo knob I want to install, but alas I am getting frustrated to the point I just want to put my channel locks DIRECTLY on the stock shift knob and damage it to hell. (That's just it, I don't want to damage it... I want to be able to go back to it if I don't like the feel of the nismo knob). Anyways, I have the vise grips for the shaft base underneath the console, and channel locks for the shift knob. I also bought some plastic hosing, that I split open and spread apart to use as a cushion between the channel locks and the stock shift knob. So here's my questions: 1) Is this a 1 or 2 person job? Not sure how to get the right leverage within the confines of the vehicle. but more importantly, 2) I have issues with SLIPPAGE, both on the shaft base and the stock shift knob. Do I not have it tight enough on the vise grip? Is there suppose to be a piece of hosing between the vise grips and the shaft too??? The hosing on the shift knob is slipping/spinning, so I can't get a good enough grip. I am not using a radiator hose, should I be using that instead??? And I'm thinking I don't have a big enough channel lock, that's why I can't get a good grip?!?!?? argggggggggggggh... help, it's frustratiing. I am also just worried about breaking the shifter assembly because of over torquing the shift knob. I'm almost to the point of just putting the channel lock right on the knob and twist away... __________________ 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 Last edited by FromG2Z; 03-22-2011 at 12:15 AM.

03-21-2011, 10:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
Liquid_G A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 1,439 Drives: 09 370z Supercharged Rep Power: 44	I wrapped the stock knob with like 20 layers of duct tape, and used a pipe wrench to remove it. While the wife was in the car holding on to the shifter shaft with vice grips. It was really hard to turn for most of the unscrewing.. that thing is on there super tight sometimes. It was a pain in the arse. bfowlzr33 likes this. __________________

03-21-2011, 11:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	make sure you have someone hold the car on the outside too cause if you turn hard enough the car will turn with the knob. good luck. those things can be a stubborn pita. EazyD and LunaZ like this.

03-21-2011, 04:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
shabarivas A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,188 Drives: 370z MB 6mt Rep Power: 914	^ would like to know about this as well __________________ Close, cover, before striking Lick a missle at the bird and try to cripple it's right wing and I end every sentance with a . . .

03-21-2011, 08:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	I keep thinking about doing this and then change my mind when I think of the potential risk/benefit balance. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

03-21-2011, 12:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i think the official terminology is stickyfication.

03-21-2011, 09:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
Jeffblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: NY Age: 36 Posts: 9,192 Drives: Z32TT & 335xi Coupe Rep Power: 37	based on how hard it was to get the knob off when i did the short throw shifter install ( took the knob off after removing the entire shifter assembly) i can't imagine doing it if it was still in the car.

03-21-2011, 09:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 19	I have 2 words for you: Leverage. __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

03-21-2011, 09:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
Dembflyr Track Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 886 Drives: G37S Sedan Rep Power: 16	Yeah. I can't help you at all. I totally destroyed my stock knob. Too much locktite. Good luck. __________________ 2012 G37S Sedan 6MT - Project Practicality 2009-6MT-Sport/Touring-Dembflyr's Journal-TT Build Thread-CAR IS SOLD

03-21-2011, 11:56 PM	#15 (permalink)
FromG2Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Fields of Opportunities Posts: 1,406 Drives: '12 5.0, kona, 6MT Rep Power: 18	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. 1st, RafPR, beharris and 2 others like this. __________________ 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 Last edited by FromG2Z; 03-22-2011 at 12:02 AM.

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