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!

[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.