Shift knob won't stay on, What's the fix? Options

[drmitch]

Hi all,

The new 914 went into the shop for a couple of things. One thing they did was take out the atrocious short shifter that a PO had installed and replaced it with factory. It's a huge improvement. HOWEVER...while the shift knob on the short shifter seemed to be solidly attached for eternity, the knob on this replacement came off in my hand before I got out of the parking lot.

I circled back and a tech wrapped some black electrical tape around the shaft and tried several times to get the knob to grip. He did so, but told me it probably wouldn't last and what I need is a knob with a set screw.

Since these didn't come with a set screw, and since the previous knob didn't have this problem, and since I just dropped $500 at the shop, I think it's reasonable to expect the new knob to be as good as the old. The new knob came off in my hand twice on the drive home. I've sent an email to the shop owner asking for a solution.

What say you all? Yes, there is a crush sleeve up in the knob. If the solution is to put a new one in there, please tell me how to get this one out. If the solution is epoxy, I'll do it. If the solution is a knob with a set screw, please point me towards a source. I couldn't find one yesterday online.

THANKS!

[RAX914]

Is it a factory shift knob like the picture below? If so it uses a crush sleeve.



You can find it here:

https://sierramadrecollection.com/search?qu...=914-shift-knob

[Superhawk996]

I circled back and a tech wrapped some black electrical tape around the shaft and tried several times to get the knob to grip. He did so, but told me it probably wouldn't last and what I need is a knob with a set screw.

Such a shame there are so many shops out there charging good money . . . Yet they have absolutely no idea about what they are doing on 914’s. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[technicalninja]

I circled back and a tech wrapped some black electrical tape around the shaft and tried several times to get the knob to grip. He did so, but told me it probably wouldn't last and what I need is a knob with a set screw.

Such a shame there are so many shops out there charging good money . . . Yet they have absolutely no idea about what they are doing on 914’s. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Real technicians are a dying breed!

Anything 20+ years old really needs a "specialist", someone who intentionally chooses that brand or that "style" of car.

Got an early Mustang or Camaro? It's best to go to a "muscle car" restorer.

Same with old Porsches!

The best shops will mirror Mepstein's place or Unobtanium...

Old Porsche shit EVERYWHERE!

It's when you take it to such a place, and they still don't have a clue...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[drmitch]

Thanks to all who've commented. As I said in the original post, there is a crush sleeve up in the knob. Again, if a new one is the fix, please tell me how do I get the old one out? I would have thought that the shop would have used a new crush sleeve, but maybe not. The shop I went to is a well-known indy Porsche shop in my area. They probably had thirty+ vintage Porsches on the premises, though mine was the only 914. Mostly 911s and 912s, with one authentic 356 in the mix. Aren't these knobs the same as on any 911 with the 901 gearbox? If so, I don't know that the shop would require any specialized knowledge regarding the shift knob. There was an old red leather Momo knob on the shifter that they used, which they removed and replaced with the OE style knob.

[RAX914]

The crush sleeve should only be held in the knob by friction. Use a pick, long nose pliers or try slamming the knob on a wooden surface to get it out. Be creative!

[NARP74]

You can also take some measurements for the full engagement depth to make sure it is on all the way.
I carved out a wood block with a countersunk hole in it so I could smack the knob on all the way with a hammer and not damage the knob. Put a cloth on top for full protection.
Sometimes hand pressure is just not enough.

[Cairo94507]

New crush sleeve and make sure that the knob gets seated all the way down. I have seen some where in addition to the new crush sleeve they small slip of the old crush sleeve into the knob too. I put a new factory knob on my stock shifter lever with a new crush sleeve and it fits very tight. Good luck.

OH, find another shop. If their solution is electrical tape.... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif)

[Superhawk996]

The shop I went to is a well-known indy Porsche shop in my area. They probably had thirty+ vintage Porsches on the premises, though mine was the only 914. Mostly 911s and 912s, with one authentic 356 in the mix. Aren't these knobs the same as on any 911 with the 901 gearbox?

Yup same.

All the more appalling that some Goofus was suggesting you need a knob with set screws. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif)

[fiacra]

You went to a local well known independent Porsche shop and got out of there with a bill for only around $500? They must have liked you.

Looks like your question has been well answered by others. My loose shift knob was fixed with the judicious application of force to seat it using what the military has termed "an inertially enhanced impact device" (aka a hammer). I used a wood block held on top of the shift knob. I like the advice about drilling out a hole in the wood block that fits on top of the knob. I used a piece of soft wood, but that would also have been helpful in distributing force. I didn't use a new crush washer, and the knob stayed in place for the few years I owned the car. I'd probably start there if you are worried about trying to get the crush washer out. If it doesn't stay on after giving it a few good whacks, then replace the crush washer. I think a trip back to the shop to have them deal with it will just take more time out of your day and probably more money out of your pocket.

[Front yard mechanic]

I use a booger to hold mine tight

[NARP74]

A Tanya Harding #20 should do the trick.

[bkrantz]

If you want DAPO style, use epoxy (and never get that knob off in one piece).

If you want to be correct, get a new crush washer. And if you can't get the old one out of the old knob (and if the old knob is worn), just get another one of those.

[emerygt350]

Careful about beating on it too much, the shift arm probably has 50 year old glue holding it in at the base. Easy to fix but why stress it if you don't have to. Once you get used to the transmission and the factory shift you should be fine. The only time I pull mine off is racing at very inconvenient points.

[drmitch]

Careful about beating on it too much, the shift arm probably has 50 year old glue holding it in at the base. Easy to fix but why stress it if you don't have to. Once you get used to the transmission and the factory shift you should be fine. The only time I pull mine off is racing at very inconvenient points.

Good advice! I got the damn thing jammed in just pushing on it to get me almost all the way through a cars and coffee drive and back home. I think if I use some light hammering, I might be good. Thanks.

[VaccaRabite]

You just need a new crush ring.
Also be sure they did not crack the base of the shift knob. Then it won't matter if you have a new ring in it, as it will just spread the crack.

You can also use paper or felt, but over time the felt will compress and eventually work loose. I've done both. For paper, I just used printer paper, folded 3 times, and put over the top of the shaft. Used a rubber mallet to drive the knob down over it.

There was a time when the rings were NLA, and you had to get creative.
Zach

[KELTY360]

All good suggestions here. I discovered long ago that I was gripping the knob too tight while shifting. Loosen your grip and you'll be able to guide the shifter from gear to gear.

[TheCabinetmaker]

Put the crush washer on the very end of the shifter rod. Gently slide the knob on till it stops. Be sure it's oriented the right way. Give it a good smack with the heel of your hand till it seats all the way. Done!

[Osnabruck914]

The shop I went to is a well-known indy Porsche shop in my area. They probably had thirty+ vintage Porsches on the premises, though mine was the only 914. Mostly 911s and 912s, with one authentic 356 in the mix. Aren't these knobs the same as on any 911 with the 901 gearbox?

Yup same.

All the more appalling that some Goofus was suggesting you need a knob with set screws. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/chair.gif)

Actually, I have found that the only solution to fix a loose shift knob forever is to drill a hole and use a set screw. It will NEVER loosen under normal driving conditions. When done properly, with a hex type screw, it is practically invisible. Guess I was the "Goofus" that suggested this in an earlier thread on this topic. I still stand by it.

Osnabruck914

[worn]

I have been shifting with a loose knob for many years with the red 3.2. Recently I realized that I have a short shift aftermarket stick. Which may indeed use the aforementioned set screw. The nice mahogany cloisonné knob on the ‘76 indeed uses a set screw and that car has a short shift kit. Just thinking maybe you have a mismatch of some sort. What these cars get into during their lives before we met continues to amaze me.