Shift Column knob removal

[Kerchew]

Hello All

I have acquired a '98 Boxter and am in the process of detailing the last owners interior 'neglects'. I have a new shift boot and would like to install it. Any advice on removing the shift lever knob? I have given it some cursory attempts but she's quite stubborn. Of course I am hesitant to start yarding on the thing if you know what I mean. (Can it even be removed?) Or does the whole boot/frame assembly have to be replaced as one?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

V

[Cassiebox]

Shift boot and knob are one assembly. The boot is affixed to the center console w/ a number of clips around the edge. You can gently pull up on the edges w/ your hand to unsnap the clips where the leather meets the plastic or use some plastic trim removal tools. Once the boot is free, pull it up over the knob. On a '98 w/ the stock black shifter knob, it is just held on by some adhesive and compression to the shifter. That being said, on some later MY or optional equipment knobs, there is a retention bolt on the side facing the dashboard. So check there first. If no bolt, pull the boot back but don't re-clip it. Then just open your convertible top, twist the shift knob back and forth a few times (to try and release the adhesive). Firmly plant yourself in the passenger seat, use the floorboards to push off of and pull upward on the shift knob HARD until it releases. NOTE: Do NOT have your head in the direct upward path of the knob or you'll likely smack yourself in the face - LOL I've seen it happen.

Reassemble new knob in reverse.

Good Luck :)

[Kerchew]

Shift boot and knob are one assembly. The boot is affixed to the center console w/ a number of clips around the edge. You can gently pull up on the edges w/ your hand to unsnap the clips where the leather meets the plastic or use some plastic trim removal tools. Once the boot is free, pull it up over the knob. On a '98 w/ the stock black shifter knob, it is just held on by some adhesive and compression to the shifter. That being said, on some later MY or optional equipment knobs, there is a retention bolt on the side facing the dashboard. So check there first. If no bolt, pull the boot back but don't re-clip it. Then just open your convertible top, twist the shift knob back and forth a few times (to try and release the adhesive). Firmly plant yourself in the passenger seat, use the floorboards to push off of and pull upward on the shift knob HARD until it releases. NOTE: Do NOT have your head in the direct upward path of the knob or you'll likely smack yourself in the face - LOL I've seen it happen.

Reassemble new knob in reverse.

Good Luck :)

Thank you... I will definitely pay attention to the 'safety' aspect! I have everything done up to your point about pulling it off manually. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Kerchew]

Thank you... I will definitely pay attention to the 'safety' aspect! I have everything done up to your point about pulling it off manually. I'll let you know how it goes.

[kbrandsma]

Yes, just grab and pull upward. I'm in Bellingham most days, hollar and I'll meet you at the boarder some day.

[tawheed]

Unclip the boot from the base, put it in second gear and pull! I too, at first thought it wasn't coming but with a bit of wiggling and pulling it pulled straight off :)

[Kerchew]

Job completed. It came off off the shifter with a great sustained tug. After that I was off to the races, so to speak. Thanks fellows, for all your help!The new boot fit like a glove and looks great.

[Kerchew]

Yes, just grab and pull upward. I'm in Bellingham most days, hollar and I'll meet you at the boarder some day.

Thanks. We sometimes go to Olympia to see our dog breeder, although no room for the pooches in this car!