DAgrizzly2

has anyone had problems getting the oem shifter **** off? I just tried to get mine off, I took off the climate console and the trim around the shifter. I put tape around the metal part of the shifter lever under the leather boot and attached a vice grip to it and tightened it all the way. Also taped the bottom metal part of the original shifter **** and attached another vice grip to that turning it counter clock wise while trying to keep the lever still so i wouldn't damage the transmission in any way but the lever still seemed to turn and my OEM shifter eventually cracked and the gear map on the top popped off due to the pressure. After that I decided to give up for the time being. Has anyone had similar issues removing their shifter ****? I have a 2003 which I've heard is more difficult for whatever reason. If anyone can offer suggestions on how to remove the original please let me know I'm desperate to get it off and put my new one on.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

Maybe a little persuasion with a propane torch?

MicVelo

As I'm reading through, i'm thinking "'03... Gotta be an '03...."

Not sure what to offer here, sorry. I've heard or read that a piece of rubber hose wrapped around the shifter and gripped thusly works well.

bith8791

You did everything correct, I recently replaced my worn OEM shift **** for a new OEM one in my '04, you may need to take more extreme measures to get it off.

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

At this point just carefully cut that bad boy off, can you see the bolt with the top popped off? I have never disintegrated an oem **** but I would start with a razor blade and cut off the leather and try to see what im working with.. Then use a small hack saw blade in a hand grip to try and cut it in half...

Thats just what I would do. Im guessing its already destroyed and you dont care that much about it...

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

Ok looked at oem know.. There is like 3/4inch plus of metal sleeve at the top ball portion of the ****. Cutting is going to be a tricky *****... If you can get the rod on bottom to not move I would use channel locks around the fat portion of the ****... If you can see the threaded portion from the top spray some pb on their first...

Good luck

Heritage

iTrader: (3)

I just bought a Fatboy Stainless **** in Roswell Grey for my '03, and I'm dreading the attempt to remove the OEM ****. I remember briefly trying to unscrew it once before to no avail.

So am I understanding correctly that it is very important to not allow the transfer of torque on the shifter shaft when trying to turn the **** counterclockwise, to avoid damage to the transmission?

Spike100

There are many threads here (some quite long) discussing removing the shift ****.

I had to destroy the shift **** on my 2003 350z to get it off. You are wise protecting against shaft rotation and transmission damage.

Do this: Search on "removing shift ****" to get some advice.

DAgrizzly2

does anyone know why the 2003 is so much more difficult to remove? My OEM shifter was actually in perfect condition before I tried to remove it so I would rather not cut it off. Do you have any recommendations on how to keep the shift lever still while i try to force the shifter **** off? I tried vice grips but I'm thinking maybe a c-clamp could work

dcains

iTrader: (15)

If all else fails, it's not at all difficult to pull the shifter out of the car. It will surely the be easier to get the **** off once the shift lever is clamped in a vise.

nizmo_0385

iTrader: (5)

Think of the **** as a nut and use impact type movements short bursts. It worked for me. Instead of just turning the vice grips i made small bursts to crack it loose

SR71

iTrader: (1)

It was an overzealous employee/robot applying loctite issue.

Heritage

iTrader: (3)

Loctite breaks down with heat.

If it is possible, use a soldering gun with a fine tip and insert it from underneath at the thread edges. Then, apply beeswax at the heat point, which will draw it into the threads as would flux.

That is the best way to break a loctite bond. Even high-temp Loctite breaks down @ 500F, so a good soldering gun should provide some headway, assuming you can maneuver it into place.

nizmo_0385

iTrader: (5)

Locktite last for this long?

SPM350Z

iTrader: (1)

I had trouble when I changed my 05 last year but what worked like a charm for me was a rubber strap wrench from Lowes: http://www.lowes.com/pd_253674-16878...ductId=1072405

I held onto the shifter with a vice grip to keep it from turning and used the bigger of the strap wrenches...took a little effort but I got it on the first try with this solution. I think the rubber tightens down solidly on the leather shifter and allows for a lot of torque without any damage. My shift **** still looks like new. Hope this helps.

Shawn

misterniceguy

iTrader: (14)

I removed my oem from my 03 years ago and I also used a rubber strap wrench. It did mess up the leather where the rubber strap wrapped around the **** so be careful if you are trying to keep the old **** nice.

saywat?

did u buy the car used? maybe previous super glued it lol

DAgrizzly2

I finally got the shift **** off thru brute force and ended up completely destroying the OEM ****. Found red loctite on the **** and it was basically clay when it came off. I don't know why anyone or anything would put red loctite on a shift **** but its off now