'99 Multispace - help changing gear knob ?

[sjakoscave]

I have to say I really feel like a "dumb blonde" for asking this, but HOW do I get the darn gear knob off ??? I've Googled (not so many hits for the 99-model, though), and some say twist anti-clockwise with a wrench or pliers, some say just pull up, some twist while pulling, others cut it off with a hacksaw and finally one who said he heated the metal with a hair dryer until it was very, very hot and then pulled the knob off. So far I've just done the twisting and pulling until my face turned blue, but no luck :brickwall: (Sigh, it was sooo easy on my old Lancer - just a gentle twist and it was off...) So before I go and find a wrench / hacksaw / hammer / blowtorch / acid / dynamite, I thought I'd ask here in case someone has a less extreme method. I'm guessing the main problem is that I'm not strong enough and just need a guy with big muscles...? :oops: But it would be really satisfying if I could do it myself instead of calling my brother, so any suggestions will be highly appreciated, guys (I haven't tried twisting with a wrench yet though cause I'm a bit afraid I'll damage something).

[Coco]

It is a case of twist and pull (ooh er )

They are firmly attached and you do need to use some force. I've never had to resort to using tools to remove one, but you do work up a bit of a sweat with the effort involved.

Concentrate on getting it to revolve first and then on pulling it off the shaft........

[j90xxx]

Hi there.
Usually the only way with modern cars is to use a hacksaw.
I made one vertical cut from top to bottom where I thought the metal shaft was, and off it came.
Mind your fingers and interior trim.
So, unless anyone comes up with a better suggestion....
Have fun.:thumbsup:

[sjakoscave]

It is a case of twist and pull (ooh er )

They are firmly attached and you do need to use some force. I've never had to resort to using tools to remove one, but you do work up a bit of a sweat with the effort involved.

Concentrate on getting it to revolve first and then on pulling it off the shaft........

Yesss, I did it ! :lol: Yup, the "twist and pull" method worked, Coco. Or more correctly "twist, swear, twist again, swear some more and pull while continuing to swear" Had to use pliers to get the necessary strength needed because I couldn't get a firm enough grip on the "pool ball" with my weak lady hands - just kept slipping. But after 5 minutes of sweating in the burning sun in a hot-hot-hot car, a good dosage of stubbornness &... eh... lots of words not suitable for a lady coming out of my mouth :whistle: , it came off. It loosened fairly quickly but I had to keep twisting it around quite a few times before I was able to pull it off. So a little later tonight when it's cooler outside I'm gonna go and fit the new gaiter properly and attach the new knob and then I'm gonna call my brother to tell him I don't need his help after all Hehe, it's probably childish to get excited about little things like this, but ah, it is always such a good feeling to do things yourself instead of having to ask someone else to do it for you... Thanks a lot for your answers, guys alut: Now I don't have to feel like a dumb blonde anymore, lol

[Coco]

Glad to be of help.

It is a nice sense of satisfaction to be able to do these jobs yourself and places like this can give you the knowledge and confidence to do that.

Just don't start me on blondes.......!!