Gear knob.

[KGMASLEN]

Hi, can anyone inform me how to remove the gear knob on a C5 MK1. The reason is the pull up ring to engage reverse sticks into the gear knob thus engaging reverse instead of first gear. Thank you.

[GiveMeABreak]

It should just pull off vertically - no twisting - but will be stiff. A word of warning, do not have your face over the gear stick as you pull it up - or you will lose teeth!

[Clogzz]

Put two thick books like phone books under your elbows to have proper reach.
And most of all, look well away from the stick.

[GiveMeABreak]

Well no feedback yet from the OP, so he's either done it or is at the dentist!

[KGMASLEN]

Sorry chaps just seen posts and not tried as yet. Would it be wise to take false teeth out before trying? Also in pulling hard on the knob I won't pull the gearstick pull out as well will I??

[GiveMeABreak]

No, but the knob is very tightly compressed against the gear shaft, so it may take a while as you are pulling it up for it to slowly start to slide up the pole - hence when it reaches the end of travel you end up knocking yourself out. So Steady vertical force - no yanking left or right.

Make sure you have first removed the trim around the gear lever binnacle and lifted up the leather gaiter first, then try marking the gearstick shaft with a black marker, so you can see if you are making progress, then you can ease off on the vertical pressure as it works its way up.

[KGMASLEN]

Hi Marc, at this point i wish i had a sunroof and lay on the roof to pull it off. I will do my best and try to remove it. Once i have removed it how do i stop the ring from sticking into the knob as it were?

[GiveMeABreak]

If you are talking about the lift up reversing ring, that should remain in place - so DON'T pull from the bottom of t he reversing ring - you only need so pull on the gear knobn itself - the reversing lock ring should remain in place as it is separate.

[Hell Razor5543]

I would suggest that (once you have removed the gear knob) you do a really good job of cleaning it (and the reverse ring). It is likely the reason it sticks is because they have got dirty/sticky.

[KGMASLEN]

Thanks chaps, should be an easy job for Mr Muscles here. Will post later to update, minus teeth and two black eyes!!