Please help, need to remove gear shift knob.

[emmamarie123]

Can anyone please tell my husband and me what would be the best way to remove the gear shifter knob so that we can replace the rubber boot? It is really stuck! We don't want to break it. (Been Known to over torque) LOL
Thanks so much for your time and help.

 

[KENSFM]

The make and model of the equipment you are working on would sure help. If you could post the info. I am sure someone will be able to help you.

Thanks and welcome to TBN.
Ken

 

[emmamarie123]

Of course it helps.....what was I thinking? Could you please tell me how we can remove the gear shift knob which is stuck off our 1952 8n Ford Tractor

 

[Artisan]

Pics always work to your advantge here...

 

[mjw357]

Look at the bottom of the knob, where it meets the shift lever. Is there a lock nut there? If so, back it off (turn it clockwise as you view from above), then you should be able to unscrew the knob (counterclockwise). Unless of course it's rusted on there.

 

[skylarkguy]

Probably soak that thing in PB blaster (or equivalent) just in case.

 

[BigBoyinMS]

From what I can find it just unscrews. But it may have been on there 50+ years so you may end up having to break it. I'm seeing new knobs for $10 or so.
You could try a strap type oil filter wrench first and if that won't budge it grab a pipe wrench.

 

[emmamarie123]

Thank you for all responses.....and so quickly! I am going to try all suggestions until something works- water is getting in because of cracks in the rubber.

 

[RoyJackson]

If you have to use a jawed wrench (pipe wrench, channel locks, etc.), wrap the knob with masking tape or duct tape. Run the tape around the knob several times.
This doesn't always work...and there's a good possibility it won't on a 60 year old knob, but it's worth a try.

 

[Gary Fowler]

That old nob is likely so brittle that if you use anything stronger than a babies hand it is going to crack it, but as you said, it has to come off. Just be prepared to buy another one. I think most gear knobs are about 3/8" so you could possibly find a universal fit one to put back on it (when) it breaks but lots of original Ford parts are still available for those old 8N's

 

[Little Red Tractor]

If you're going to try to unscrew it by padding the knob and using a pipe wrench (which is probably the best course), be sure to use equal force on the shifting lever itself so you don't put any pressure on the shifting mechanism itself.
That would be worse than the problem you're trying to solve.

 

[smstonypoint]

I think most gear knobs are about 3/8" so you could possibly find a universal fit one to put back on it (when) it breaks but lots of original Ford parts are still available for those old 8N's

Per this site (Ford Tractor gear shift), there may have been two different 8N knobs.

Steve

 

[Artisan]

Definately get some PB Blaster if there are threads, it does not take a lot,
the key is patience. A little squirt every day (if you can) is alls it takes.
Waiting a day between quirts is optimal. Clean the underside w/ a wire
brush first, then start squirting.

I have seen PB Blaster at home depot. It is not smoke and mirrors, the stuff works more than it does not.

 

[CharlieS]

All the above methods might work, though what i've found works well for me in cases like this, is a piece of thin leather dampened. (damp leather grips better). Use penetrating oil on the knob as suggested, dampen an old piece of about 1/8 inch thick leather, something like an old shoe tongue, wrap the knob with the leather then tighen an appropriate size hose clamp around the knob. This grips the knob around its entirety. The screw on the hose clamp gives a pipe wrench a place to push against without biting into the part itself.

 

[RoyJackson]

All the above methods might work, though what i've found works well for me in cases like this, is a piece of thin leather dampened. (damp leather grips better). Use penetrating oil on the knob as suggested, dampen an old piece of about 1/8 inch thick leather, something like an old shoe tongue, wrap the knob with the leather then tighen an appropriate size hose clamp around the knob. This grips the knob around its entirety. The screw on the hose clamp gives a pipe wrench a place to push against without biting into the part itself.

That's a good idea, Charlie!

 

[BWMoore]

I've got the same issue on 78 Ford 1600. How did you finally get that knob off?? Good recommendations offered. Also, I can't find a shift boot that fits the 1600, so I'm going to find a CV boot off an ATV.

 

[Soundguy]

early knobs were small and cast to the shifter.. later knobs were threaded.. most coroded on and have to be damaged to be removed.. then the nut split, threads cleaned and a ne wone put on.

a 52 with the trans cover from a 52 should hav ethe large replaceable knob..

 

[tcreeley]

To repair the boot if you give up!-- try automotive or marine goop- works great- sticks to anything.

 

[Soundguy]

glue is useless hack patch on the gearshifter boot.

it needs the proper one. and it's not hard to do.

at VERY wort, the old one is rotten internally, and the sleeve is corroded to the threads,a nd the threads are rusted. you twist the handle off, split the collar and remove it.. clean threads and put a new handle on.. OR.. if threads are gone.. lop it off, file down, rethread and put a new shifter on.

it's all of 10 minutes of work.. nothing to have a 20 post thread about. I've done a dozen like this.. .. it's no biggie...

 

[BWMoore]

The Goop idea will have to work on the boot as I have yet to find the proper shift boot for the Ford 1600. (It's 1 3/8" at the base, 5/8" at the top and about 2 1/4" height.) I've had several local shops order it for me only to find out they don't make them anymore. I'll keep looking. Thanks for the suggestions on the knob.