How to Replace a Gear Knob?
2 Answers
Pry out the dust cover bracket Prepare a flat-head screwdriver, align the screwdriver with the edge of the dust cover base, and pry the dust cover bracket. Pull out the gear knob Shift the gear lever to the 4th gear position, then hold the gear knob with both hands and pull it outward with force. Cut off the dust cover Lift the dust cover upwards (toward the gear knob direction), use scissors to cut the cable tie, then remove the dust cover from the old gear knob. Prepare a new cable tie, place it over the lifted dust cover, pull the cable tie tightly, and trim off the excess. Install the gear knob Align the hole on the gear knob with the gear lever, then tap the gear knob downward until it is secured by the retaining clip.
I recently replaced my shift knob and found the DIY process quite interesting. First, park the car safely, turn off the engine, and engage the handbrake to ensure stability and prevent the lever from moving. The old shift knob is usually fixed with threads—just twist it counterclockwise with some force to loosen it. Some cars may require removing adhesive, which can be gently pried off with a small knife. Clean any residue from the lever and apply some threadlocker to prevent the new knob from loosening. Choose a new shift knob in your preferred material—I tried a metal one, which feels heavier and provides more feedback while driving, while wood or leather options offer better grip. Align the new knob with the lever and tighten it, but avoid over-tightening to prevent stripping the threads. After installation, shake it lightly to test its stability, then start the car and check if shifting feels smooth. The whole process takes about 20 minutes, is low-cost, and adds a personal touch to your car’s interior—small modifications like this can be quite fun. Just remember to measure carefully and buy a compatible knob, or it might feel wobbly and uncomfortable.
