shifter knob doesn't come off - as it should according to Bentley's

[325e1984]

1984 325e. i belive the shifter with the knob is original, the boot is worn out after 255k+. i got a replasement boot, but the knob which is black and rubbery, doesnt move at all. it seems kinda glued to the shifter's shaft.
the Bentlye's says: put the shifter in reverse, twist and pull the knob off. i did. nothing.
does anybody have a solution? i hate to croll ander the car and desingage the shifter's linkage to remove the shifter to put the boot on from the oter end.
thanks for any helpful info.

Frustrated with a new boot in Seattle.

[KC Ron Carter]

I use a slide hammer dent puller with a cut washer to get the stuck ones off.



http://www.all-tool.com/BY_MASTER_CATAGORY/Paint_and_Body/Autobody_Slide_Hammers/Autobody_Slide_Hammers/autobody_slide_hammers_3.htm


Later,

[325e1984]

thanks, KC. you guys are great...

i am not very familiar with the tool though. how does it work in my case?
will i have to screw the tip of the shaft into the shift knob first and then use the slide hammer? will the screw tear out of the knob though? Or is there different technic to it?

thanks.

[dhaus]

As I remember, the knob is a snap fit. Upward force is all that is necessary.

[325e1984]

dhaus, that's what Bentley implys too, but i am afraid if i puul any harder, i will either get a hernia or bend something in a linkage.

[KC Ron Carter]

You need to get something to provide the impact of a slide hammer.

You can use a real hammer by using the jaws of a large adjustable wrench to provide a point to hit.

Open the adjustable enough to go over the shaft but not so wide as to allow the knob through.

Impact is the key phrase, you need the sudden impact to loosen it.

Later,