Interior 1st Gen Shift Knob removal problems

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by racer13, Oct 24, 2009.

  1. racer13

    racer13 New Member

    Oct 15, 2009
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    if someone could this would very much appreciated give me a step by step way to take of my stock mini cooper s 6 speed shift knob.


    thanks
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

    Mar 30, 2009
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  3. RonsMinnie

    RonsMinnie New Member
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  4. nabeshin

    nabeshin New Member

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    I smashed myself in the jaw when I did this.
     
  5. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Apr 23, 2009
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    In case you're wondering, that's not a joke...you just pull it off, but it isn't easy. There's nothing else to it and no way to make it easier. You wouldn't want it to come off easily while shifting. Get a good grip, prepare for the possibility of it and your hand smacking you in the face (see post above) or heading dangerously toward your sunroof (if you have one) and jerk it, hard. If it doesn't come off, tighten your grip and yank harder. If that doesn't work...well, I'm sure you know what's coming next.
     
  6. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

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    Of course if you have a sunroof you can open it and stand over the shifter with one foot on either side.
     
  7. Rixter

    Rixter Well-Known Member

    Jun 14, 2009
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    :useless
     
  8. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

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    You gonna have to wait till I get back in town.
     
  9. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    I take mine off by facing the rear of the car and straddling the gear shift and putting my shoulders on the seat backs and then just pulling as hard as I can. Comes off w/o smashing anything but my chest.......lol
     
  10. i had to try to take it off a few times, but after those few times of trying the oem shift knob eventually got looser lol. then one day i managed to pop that sucker out of its rod. i was in the car with my legs both braced around the shift knob so that if at all the knob tries to attack me, i'm ready for the kick.
     
  11. Sideways

    Sideways New Member

    May 12, 2009
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    Just giv'er a good hard YANK!
    Of course...if you talk to your MINI in a gentle soothing manner...caress it a little...whisper sweet nothings to her...it might make things easier...

    Just a thought :D
     
  12. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

    May 9, 2009
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    I had read the warnings about hitting your face and smashing the roof (and thought "idiots"), so I did the method above and nicked my jewels instead. :lol: :rolleyes5:

    Wear protection!
     
  13. goaljnky

    goaljnky New Member

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    I think that makes us Mini brothers. :D
     
  14. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Apr 23, 2009
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    This may be one of the simplest things you can do to your MINI in terms of steps required, but I think we're building a case here that there may be optional equipment requirements. Let's see -- depending on your method -- safety goggles and/or full face helmet, cup (if applicable), gloves and various body padding. :D
     
  15. Ofioliti

    Ofioliti New Member

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    ...brothers in pain. :eek:
     
  16. rigidjunkie

    rigidjunkie New Member

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    Be careful after removing it a few times it will get looser. Mine is jacked I pull it off while AutoX'ing. It is a little distracting to passengers when I toss it over my shoulder and keep driving.
     
  17. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

    May 5, 2009
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    Girls have knobs:shocked::confused5:

    Mark
     
  18. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

    May 8, 2009
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    Just put on the Whalen Shift Machine.

    Not that organized, go figure, but heres a link from the sewing site I got from Doug Whalen
    MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - Pulling off shift knob?

    I'd suggest using a butter knife for the lower ring that holds the boot to the console

    (EDIT-'Scuse-this is for a R56, just noticed application is for a R53, sorry)
     
  19. TGS91

    TGS91 New Member

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    You two want to be alone? :idea:
     
  20. Pnwminigirl

    Pnwminigirl New Member

    Dec 19, 2013
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    So I know this thread is super old but I have a 2007 S and I want to replace the shift knob with a weighted on instead of the stock, and after reading this the shifter isn't threaded? So if it's not threaded are my dreams of having a weighted shifter crushed or is there still hope?? Hellllppppp
     

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