Removing OEM shift knob: How to

[Twenty]

Tonight I decided to go ahead and take apart the shift knob/boot/trim on my Focus, to figure out the procedure. Searching forums showed lots of questions but no definite answers for taking everything apart, nor were there any for the thread pitch of the shift knob.

So, here's how it went:

First, remove the trim piece around the base of the shift boot. There are clips all around it, but the ones that really hold it down are located in three of the four corners (The corner missing one is the rearward passenger side, next to R). By gripping the trim piece through the boot, some firm tugs and pulls should see them pop out, one by one. I shifted through a few gears to reposition the shifter, giving the boot extra slack when needed so that I didn't stretch it. For undoing the knob, grip the top of the boot to prevent it from spinning and start unscrewing. It can take a fair bit of effort to get the knob to start turning.

When the whole assembly is out of the way, this is what's left:



This is everthing that came out, taken apart.



The boot clips to the underside of the trim. It's very easy to remove and clip back in - the boot itself is pretty much permanently mounted to the plastic base that allows it to clip in though. An aftermarket boot would probably have to be attached to this base (With the original boot cut out) if you're looking for a quality, OEM-looking install.



The shift knob is held to the boot via a clip that sandwiches the top of the boot between itself and the base of the knob.



Said clip sits here on the boot (Looking from the inside)..



..and the knob then pops in here.



After figuring out the removal and installation procedure, next was to measure the thread pitch. I'm brand new to Focuses, so I didn't know if it's be the same as previous generations or not. I measured it as 12 x 1.25.

So anyway, that's what I discovered in my trial tonight. Now that I know how, and the thread pitch, I can go pick a nice new shift knob for the Fofo. Hope this helps!

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[mainest]

Very nicely done, great pics. Thanks for sharing!

[ihdillon]

Originally Posted by Twenty

Tonight I decided to go ahead and take apart the shift knob/boot/trim on my Focus, to figure out the procedure. Searching forums showed lots of questions but no definite answers for taking everything apart, nor were there any for the thread pitch of the shift knob.

So, here's how it went:

First, remove the trim piece around the base of the shift boot. There are clips all around it, but the ones that really hold it down are located in three of the four corners (The corner missing one is the rearward passenger side, next to R). By gripping the trim piece through the boot, some firm tugs and pulls should see them pop out, one by one. I shifted through a few gears to reposition the shifter, giving the boot extra slack when needed so that I didn't stretch it. For undoing the knob, grip the top of the boot to prevent it from spinning and start unscrewing. It can take a fair bit of effort to get the knob to start turning.

When the whole assembly is out of the way, this is what's left:



This is everthing that came out, taken apart.



The boot clips to the underside of the trim. It's very easy to remove and clip back in - the boot itself is pretty much permanently mounted to the plastic base that allows it to clip in though. An aftermarket boot would probably have to be attached to this base (With the original boot cut out) if you're looking for a quality, OEM-looking install.



The shift knob is held to the boot via a clip that sandwiches the top of the boot between itself and the base of the knob.



Said clip sits here on the boot (Looking from the inside)..



..and the knob then pops in here.



After figuring out the removal and installation procedure, next was to measure the thread pitch. I'm brand new to Focuses, so I didn't know if it's be the same as previous generations or not. I measured it as 12 x 1.25.

So anyway, that's what I discovered in my trial tonight. Now that I know how, and the thread pitch, I can go pick a nice new shift knob for the Fofo. Hope this helps!

Awesome write up, but I am stuck with removing the shift knob from the boot. How do you unclip the shift knob from the boot?

[BetaDnB]

Originally Posted by Twenty

I measured it as 12 x 1.25.

I like you.

P.S. I just added the Blox teardrop knob to my Christmas list.

[Twenty]

ihdillon: I assume you have it apart and can see the clip that sits under the boot, holding the knob in place? Note that there are four tabs which clip in place and secure the knob; using two small flathead screwdrivers (Read: model / R/C size), I worked them between the knob and two of the tabs, prying them open. A couple of good yanks and the knob popped out. The tabs are very stiff, so don't be surprised if you have to really work at them for a minute.

BetaDnB: A Blox knob is on my list now too. I'm waiting on a local shop to get the specific one I want in, so that I can go treat the Focus - I mean, myself - to a little gift.

[ihdillon]

Thanks Twenty! I installed a shift knob this morning! Added a new shift knob today!

[Twenty]

You're welcome! Looks good, I can't wait to pick mine up.

[BetaDnB]

Installed! My only issue was the front right clip. I couldn't get it to come out all the way. The retaining nut that came with the knob makes it a little taller, so the boot gets a bit tight, but I don't think tight enough to pull it out of gear. The remedy? Short shifter. HURRY UP STEEDA!

[currentlyabsent]

Originally Posted by BetaDnB

Installed! My only issue was the front right clip. I couldn't get it to come out all the way. The retaining nut that came with the knob makes it a little taller, so the boot gets a bit tight, but I don't think tight enough to pull it out of gear. The remedy? Short shifter. HURRY UP STEEDA!

What Finnish is that? is it the platinum? i was hoping it was going to be blacker than that

[BetaDnB]

Originally Posted by currentlyabsent

What Finnish is that? is it the platinum? i was hoping it was going to be blacker than that

Yes it's the platinum. Don't be fooled by the pic. I think it only looks so chrome in the pic because the camera is right on top of it. I hate chrome. I love the way this knob looks in the car.