Removing the gear knob

DivideBYZero

DivideBYZero

Zorg Guru (I)
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Points
88
Location
Surrey
Model of Z
Z3 2.2
Holy crap, mine doesn't want to come off. Swinging off it with both arms hasn't moved the effer. Is there some kind of trick? I did notice there appears to be some packing material at the taper point, just looks like rough material.

As I'm looking to replace the knob I could always go destructive to get it off, but I'd rather do it right.

I was pleased to find the wiring for an illuminated knob though. I love that BMW looms have lots of just-in-case connections!
 
Ooh, we haven't had a good knob pulling thread for a while :bag:

You just have to pull it and it should come off - you can try twisting it at the same time. For goodness sake make sure your face is out of the way, as it's quite common to punch yourself in the face doing it.

I have seen them stuck on with all sorts of sealant/glue/gum so you may have to pull really hard, or possibly get destructive!
 
I had exactly the same problem when I came to put my storm gear knob on and ended up destroying the original one. There is basically a groove around the gear shaft which locates with some barbs at the base of the gear knob, in theory a good pull should get it off but in practice as I found out it was impossible to get it to budge and boy did I try. Best thing would be to use a small flat blade screwdriver and try and prise the barbs apart by sticking the screwdriver up the gap between the shaft and knob (that doesn't sound right :rolleyes:). Failing that you will have to do what I did and destroy the damn thing.
 
Thanks Aceman. I'll be prising my knob off all weekend.



I'll get my coat.
 
Heat.
Warm it up.
Sometimes a hairdryer can do the trick.
But do be careful you don't burn.......
 
Lubrication is the key.. Especially around the rim.. :bookworm: :bag: :nailbiting:
 
One foot in each footwell with the roof down so you can stand get your whole body over it and then pull it with both hands. Might take a bit of effort and when it comes off you will probably fall over or hit yourself in the face but its a lot easier doing it this when than sitting in one of the seats pulling it from the side.
 
I tried all of the above with mine but still didn't work, tried doing various things over a few week period all to no avail so I lost my rag with it in the end.

I do hope you get it off in one piece though as they are not cheap items really.
 
g8jka said:
One foot in each footwell with the roof down so you can stand get your whole body over it and then pull it with both hands. Might take a bit of effort and when it comes off you will probably fall over or hit yourself in the face but its a lot easier doing it this when than sitting in one of the seats pulling it from the side.
Click to expand...

I did that just before I posted this thread! I'm just going buy the replacement and go nuclear on the existing one.
 
Sorry to restart an old thread guys, I run a machine shop and just about to make a simular shape gear knob on my CNC does any know the rough width and height of this gear knob ?

Lee
 
Is it best to lube and then heat or heat and then lube?? The flat headed screwdriver and barbs could cause excruciating pain I would think but as someone informed me, you Brits invented knob pulling so thanks for now sharing with the rest of the world!! JIM
Ps, for Zedonist: try a bit of snow around your shaft!
 
Lee said:
Sorry to restart an old thread guys, I run a machine shop and just about to make a simular shape gear knob on my CNC does any know the rough width and height of this gear knob ?
Click to expand...
Sorry for the late response, but I took these measurements a while back if any use?

If you want some more specific dimensions, let me know :)
Z3GearKnob01.webp

Z3GearKnob02.webp

Z3GearKnob03.webp
 
Last edited:
Your a star gaz exactly what im after.

Lee
 
Lee it would be interesting to see what you come up with and whether there is any worth in producing a few to sell on if there is enough interest.
 
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