How to Tighten a Loose Gear Shift Knob?
2 Answers
Gear shift knob looseness can be divided into the following two situations: 1. Transmission shift self-locking and interlocking issues: This indicates a malfunction in the shift mechanism, which requires repair at a service center. 2. Worn plastic washer or loose screw: If the plastic washer at the linkage joint between the shift lever and the transmission is worn or the screw is loose, replacing the plastic washer or tightening the screw will suffice. Below are some precautions for shifting gears in a car: 1. Looking down at the gear lever while shifting: Especially when driving on city streets or highways, looking down while shifting can cause the vehicle to veer off course, potentially leading to an accident. 2. Using the double-clutch method: Most modern cars are equipped with synchronizers, making gear shifts easier, but improper operation can still cause harm. Using the double-clutch method helps extend the lifespan of components. 3. Downshifting without revving: When downshifting in gears with synchronizers, it is possible to downshift without revving by using a single clutch, but this can lead to premature wear and damage to parts. Therefore, whether the car has synchronizers or not, it is advisable to use the double-clutch method with a rev when downshifting. 4. Fully depressing the clutch when shifting: If the clutch is not fully depressed, the engine and the first shaft of the transmission cannot completely disengage, causing intermittent engagement and disengagement during shifting, which can lead to noise and potential gear damage. 5. Avoid skipping gears when upshifting: Upshifting should be done sequentially; skipping gears can disrupt the car's power continuity, leading to stalling. However, downshifting can be done by skipping gears, and it is often recommended to downshift by skipping gears.
Last time I drove an old manual transmission car, I also encountered severe gear lever shaking. When parked, I tried fixing it myself. First, lift up the dust boot cover. For most cars, there's just a hex or cross screw inside. Use the corresponding wrench to loosen it counterclockwise, then pull the gear lever head up slightly, realign the threads, and tighten it back. If the threads are stripped, don't worry—just buy some threadlocker from a hardware store, apply it, and screw it back in. It's cheaper than replacing the whole thing. After finishing, test all gear positions to ensure no sticking, and check if the dust boot has any aging cracks.
