Removing Gear Lever Knob

[RichardPercival]

Hi Andy,

This will sound like a stupid question, but I'm very much a newbie!
I also have a nice NOS ivory gear knob for the 4 speed manual on my '66 230SL (It says its the push on type not a screw thread which I assume is normal as I see no others on offer) How do I get the old one off? I tried removing it (it turns easily which is part of the reason I wanted to change it as it doesn't stay oriented correctly) but it doesn't seem to unscrew or easily pull off. The next step will be to really yank it, but I didn't want to risk breaking anything - is there any particular knack to it??

[BobH]

Hello Rich, the top of the shaft is splined, so the knob will pull off with some force, some people use a rubber mallet and gently tap underneath, perhaps using a spanner or grips open larger than the shaft, and some padding. I would be slightly concerned about damaging the bottom bush and linkage if you pull or tap too vigorously, so might be better supporting the shaft somehow, with padded grips, or taking it off the car first.  Replacing the knob is the opposite, line the knob up first accurately before you tap it on, you don't want to have to rotate it, as that will just loosen it up again

[Pawel66]

Here, in our Technical Manual you have description on how to pull out the knob: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/TransmissionClutch/Shifter#Auto_ShiftGate

I followed this procedure, worked for me.

[RichardPercival]

Thanks both!