Shift knob replacement

fflynn · 11-18-2010, 03:08 AM

85, 911. Shift knob split. New one coming w/ a "shift knob sleeve". Trick to change it? Looks like pull straight up, push straight down. No?
Car is really growing on me. It's 25 yr's old, and still indicated 150mph the other day! (Once was enough)

Thanks in advance.

tharbert · tharbert's Garage

In 1972, they were held on with a set screw. I don't know if they improved on that in 15 years...

nineball · 11-18-2010, 04:59 AM

my 83 was just pull/push. put the new sleeve on partway and then the knob over that, push down and adjust to your liking. well that is how it happened for me.

Bob Kontak · Bob Kontak's Garage

Don't get too excited about an indicated 150 mph. I was bragging about my 81SC going 140 but when I got a GPS, 140 indicated was a very real 125mph. The speedos can read high.

I do remember reading where on the factory SCRS shift kit you have to grind a little off the top of the shaft to fit the original shift knob and crush ring on but I can't find the post and it does not sound like you have one so +1 on nineball's recommendation.

fflynn · 11-18-2010, 08:13 PM

I think I was prety close. I had checked the speedo w/ GPS at ninety, and it was good. Either way, that is a damn fast car. Whatever the number, once was enough. After 25 yr's, still performed like that. And smooth as glass. I'm really starting to really like this car.

Mitch Leland · Mitch Leland's Garage

I believe you take a 15mm open end wrench and place under the shift knob and then take a hammer and lightly tap on the wrench all the while hoping the knob will raise up off the shaft. A crescent wrench will work equally as well.

There is a thin corrugated shim between the shaft and the knob I.D., if the knob is too tight going back on you can cut a fraction off at a time of the long ways of the shim.

fflynn · 11-19-2010, 02:44 AM

Thanks for that. I almost didn't realize that I need that shim. I think Pelican asked me if I wanted one of those too? One of those "some people ordered this thing too" pop-ups.

hesaputz · 11-19-2010, 03:26 AM

Mitch is giving you good advice; you have to be careful not to break the plastic shift knob - especially on one that's been on there 30 years or so.

fflynn · 11-19-2010, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hesaputz

Mitch is giving you good advice; you have to be careful not to break the plastic shift knob - especially on one that's been on there 30 years or so.

No concern there. The old one's already broken. I've a new one on the way.

Boy, Porsche parts are surprizingly expensive. Not like Ferrari parts (My 83 Mondial) but they ain't cheap! But, as they say, "If you can't run with the big dogs......"

javadog · 11-19-2010, 06:48 AM

Be ready to pound the daylights (carefully) out of the knob to get it all the way on. They can be a tight fit. And, make real sure you have it on straight before you start; you won't easily rotate it.

I usually do them out of the car, in a vice. The only good news for you is that the old knob is split. Removing one that is intact takes more force than you'd think.

JR