Foam stuff on the shift lever

[Meeni]

How do I put the foam stuff on the shift lever ? I'm talking about the foam that goes around the miniature ball joints.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads6/DSC000251137067618.jpg

I have removed the entire assembly, but short of dismantling the small ball joint (how? I removed the pin but it still doesn't want to disconnect) I don't see how these are supposed to get in place.

[sgoodwin]

It takes some force to separate them after removing the pin. Personally I haven't had them on mine for many years & just give them a shot of chain lube every once in a while. They don't appear any the worse for wear, still tight.

[Meeni]

Nevermind, the ball joint just snaps out if you use a small 8mm open wrench as a ball joint fork.