How to Remove the Manual Gear Knob of a Focus?
3 Answers
Steps to remove the manual gear knob of a Focus: 1. First, inspect the condition of the manual gear knob; 2. Hold the gear knob and rotate it counterclockwise; 3. This will allow you to remove the gear knob, revealing that it is threaded for connection. After completion, you can detach the gear shift dust cover for easier replacement of the gear knob. The dimensions of the Focus are 4647mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1468mm in height. The new Focus is equipped with two engines, a 1.0T and a 1.5T. The 1.0T engine has a maximum power output of 94kw, while the 1.5T engine reaches up to 135kw. The transmission system includes an 8-speed automatic gearbox paired with the engine, offering three driving modes.
Removing the manual shift knob on a Focus is actually quite simple, and I’ve done it myself before. Generally, you just twist it counterclockwise and pull upward, but older shift knobs can be very tight, so you’ll need some finesse. First, try loosening the screw at the base of the knob—usually a T25 or T30 Torx bit is needed. If there’s no screw design, you’ll have to grip the knob and pull upward, but be careful not to yank too hard and damage the plastic clips. When I removed mine, I noticed that plastic gets brittle in cold weather and can crack easily, so it’s best to warm it up for a few seconds with a hairdryer before pulling. After removal, carefully store the dust boot underneath to avoid tearing it. Before installing the new shift knob, you can lubricate the contact surface a bit—it’ll make reassembly much smoother and prevent sticking. The whole process takes about ten minutes, but remember to wear gloves to avoid slipping or scratching your hands.
Removing the shift knob of a Focus comes down to tools and technique. For standard models, a hex key is sufficient—check if there's a hidden screw at the base of the knob. If there's no screw, it's likely secured by clips. Grip the knob firmly with both hands, wiggle it side to side, and lift gradually—no yanking. When helping a friend, I noticed the clips on newer Focus models are quite delicate; using a plastic pry tool to gently release the clips is safer. Once removed, you'll expose the metal shift lever—clean off any rust or dust. If reinstalling the boot, ensure it's not inside out, as wrinkles can ruin the feel. Upgrading the shift knob does enhance driving pleasure, but snapping a clip would be costly—caution is key.