How to remove the shift knob

[Speedybrit]

I did a search but couldnt find any DIY on how to remove the shift knob in the B8. Is there a DIY on this already posted and i missed it? Could the people who have replaced their knob give me some help on how to change the knob.

[Runge]

find the JHM short shifter install video..should be on youtube..shows you exactly how to do it

[Speedybrit]

^ i cant find the install video. All i can find on youtube is the informational video of the short shifter and the demonstration of 1st - 2nd video

[harry]

Basically, you have to pull out the ac unit. There are two holes at the bottom you can grab from and just pull out. Or you can you insert a small hook underneath from the bottom and pull out each side slowly.

Then put your fingers inside your shift boot and pull up. The whole center console will pop out. HOWEVER, only pop out at a max 3 inches as there are cables that connect to the center console, ie push start button, mmi controls, + parking break. Disconnect the cables. There's, I believe, a metal fastener holding the shift knob in place. Remove and pull off factory shift knob. Replace fastener with an "O" ring clamp when replacing with your new shift knob.

In a manual, not sure bout auto's.

[Hiphopopotamus]

Here's the link to the JHM shifter installation

http://audishifter.com/videos/JHM_B8...stallation.wmv

[Speedybrit]

@harry - Thanks for the info, so much for this being an easy switch of the knobs.

@hiphop - Thanks for the link but for some reason it just says video loading and doesnt load the video

[Hiphopopotamus]

The video is really really big like 250 megs. If you download it and then watch it, it should work. Just right click the link and save as.

[MiracleWhips]

It is actually extremely easy.....

The method Harry mentioned is more for removing the center console.

For the shift boot, it is only being held in place by two small plastic clips on each of the left and right side. Using a flathead screwdriver carefully you can wedge it in between the boot and the thin aluminum trim around the shift console. The clips should loosen and you can then pull the boot up and away from the console. You then need to fold it up over the knob exposing the metal clip that holds it to the shift column.

etc etc.

[Speedybrit]

MW you are the man. I was dreading taking apart the A/C unit and center console. Well now i just have to wait for the Knob to finally arrive and then i will take pics for you guys

[MiracleWhips]

MW you are the man. I was dreading taking apart the A/C unit and center console. Well now i just have to wait for the Knob to finally arrive and then i will take pics for you guys

Do yourself a favor an purchase some trim removal tools.

I have the S-Line Air Leather Tip knob on order, and picked up this set of tools from ECS Tuning in preparation for the install.

The tongue depressor looking tool with the flat screwdriver head had my current shift boot unclipped and removed in less than 10 seconds. These are 1000 times safer than a screwdriver.

[Speedybrit]

Do yourself a favor an purchase some trim removal tools.

I have the S-Line Air Leather Tip knob on order, and picked up this set of tools from ECS Tuning in preparation for the install.

The tongue depressor looking tool with the flat screwdriver head had my current shift boot unclipped and removed in less than 10 seconds. These are 1000 times safer than a screwdriver.

I ordered a new set of tools from ebay the same day i ordered the knob. I dont want to scratch the console with the screwdriver (did that in my old car). Thanks for the help and advice.

@Hali - Dont worry i have a manual so no messing around with the shift lock

[harry]

agreed, didn't every DIY person buy this kit....

[Hali Mark]

A word of caution, do not do this on an automatic. There is a rod that comes up the middle of the gear lever that moves up and down to engage/disengage shift lock. The thumb button on the shifter is attached to it. If you try to just pull the knob off, you'lll break either the knob or the shifter lever, which would be a very expensive fix.

[skawsomealex]

does anyone know how to remove the auto knob

[Speedybrit]

I finally got a chance to put the knob on today. The knob was easy to put on, however trying to get the boot to look good was a pain. Since you cant use the clamp thing which connects the boot to the stock knob i had to come up with a new way of getting the boot to stay close to the knob and not look like crap. Here are a few pics of the knob let me know what you guys think...

[MiracleWhips]

Are you happy with it.....?

Or looking for honest feedback?

[Speedybrit]

Im happy with the knob, but im thinking maybe the brushed silver would have been a better choice. The boot is kinda eh right now i still need to think of a better way of keeping it up. Ill take honesty theres no harm in it lol

[MiracleWhips]

Ok then, I can't help but think it looks a little perverted with the glowing one eye......sorry.

Maybe a take another pic showing a better angle of the knob so it doesn't look so out of proportion. (Looks really bulky)

[zane0728]

how do you remove the automatic shift knob?

[MYFASTA4]

i think its super cool, but i wouldnt wanted in my car, that was really creative!
i would like to see one that makes the gears light up red in brush aluminum.

[Speedybrit]

@MW - I agree it does look a little bulky but it doesnt feel that way. Below are some day time pics which should show you the knob a bit better, but looking at these pics the knob does look really BIG but its not that big in real life. I think its the auto focus on my phone which is making it look way out of proportion.

@zane - I have no idea, do a search because i remember seeing a thread about someone replacing their tip knob for the RS6 knob.

@fasta4 - Just out of curiosity..why wouldnt you want it in your car?

[smetch]

What i did on my subaru since I have the same problem with the shift boot sliding down was take a plastic water bottle cut it to fit over the rod, cut the bottom to the size I wanted and it fit perfect and held it up