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HELP! Gear/shifter knob removal

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gear or shifter knob removal
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7.1K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  richb77  
#1 ·
Chaps.

I have a MY2005 9-3 Aero 5 speed manual.

The vinyl boot around the shifter is knackered so i am replacing with a nice new leather one.

The trouble is unlike so many other owners i cannot remove the gear knob for love nor money.

I have drilled the knob...Stripped. I have re tapped this as inserted a helicoil....sheered the bolt.

I have drilled a HUGE whole and tried a bearing puller...Nope.

So what i need to know is how deep do i need to drill? Its about 10mm (approaching 1/2") at the moment and its still aluminium. I am hoping the shaft is steel and not aluminium!!!

If i need to (and i am guessing i will) cut it off...How difficult is it? Where shall i cut?

I have tried the dedicated UK forum but its a wall of silence over there and i am itching to get motoring again without causing too much damage!

Cheers in advance.
 
#2 ·
Its glued on only, just be super careful not to destroy the reverse lift mechanism.. If you've drilled through the top and exposed the top of the shaft, possibly a glue solvent might soften the adhesive or heat (if you're planning on replacing the knob). Mine came off all on its own in the last car,,, It proved more of an effort to keep it on than take it off. Best of luck..
 
#3 ·
I'm going to using a dremmel to cut it off and applying some heat (heat gun not a flame) to break the adhesive.

I am still unsure whether the shaft is steel or Aluminium.

I would NEVER use Aluminium in this position but that could be why i don't work in the automotive industry.

Can anyone clarify the material?
 
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