Problem with my Knob

[pyreguy]

After the SSK install, my shift knob is loose. It hasn't come off yet, but it spins easily. This is problematic while shifting into 2nd while taking a turn.

Anyone have a good solution for this?

I've heard that once you get the knob off, it's never quite the same. I don't wanna have to buy a new one, but I will if I have to because this drives me nuts.

I was thinking locktite, but wanted to hear your thoughts. TIA

Sent using alien technology and Forum Runner

[kayger12]

I would honestly go with a new knob, Lance.

Of course, I spend money like it's gonna rot, so I'm probably not the best one to give advice on this...

[danewilson77]

I say buy a couple of new knobs, so you can accessorize if needed.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[pyreguy]

I'm really leaning towards a new one. I was driving after posting that and it was killing me that I have this badass shifter that begs to be handled aggressively and this weak ass knob that demands a gentle touch.... It's too incongruous. It just won't do.

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[billschusteriv]

+1 on buying another one.

The e30 knobs are just interference fit that mate a plastic "key" with a "notch" the metal shifter (kind of like a tongue and groove joint in wood working). One the knob is removed, the fit degrades... rapidly with the aggressive touch.

Is it me... or does this thread have a hint of inappropriateness?

[Johnmadd]

Dude....I am sorry that you have a problem with your knob, that sucks.

[mimalmo]

twss

[Marcus-SanDiego]

twss

I had to Google that. :biggrin

[mimalmo]

Haha. Figured that was a forum staple by now.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I just searched. You're the first to use twss.

[johnrando]

First I've seen TWSS in a forum... but love it when they use it on "The Office".

[billschusteriv]

I've used that saying before...



twss

I had to Google that. :biggrin

Me too. :shift

[pyreguy]

I'm gonna shop around and order a new knob this week. Can't be having problems with my knob and still feel like a man.

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[az3579]

You all are too much...

I haven't had issues with my shift knob coming off and I've removed it multiple times, so I don't think that statement about it "never being the same" is all that applicable...

Sent from my DROIDX

[pyreguy]

You're still young...

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[kayger12]

You're still young...

Sent using alien technology and Forum Runner

:rofl

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[billschusteriv]

You all are too much...

I haven't had issues with my shift knob coming off and I've removed it multiple times, so I don't think that statement about it "never being the same" is all that applicable...

Sent from my DROIDX

We apologize for interrupting your scheduled programming for a (semi) serious reply...

In my e30, I've noticed that when I am driving - one hand at 10 and one hand on the shifter - I tend to grip the shift knob and twist it ever so slightly towards me (counterclockwise). This of course is amplified during spirited driving. When I bought the e30 (at ~196k) the knob was already loose and spun 360 degrees freely. It would come off in my hand when shifting to second. I replaced it then (196k, 12/06) and replaced it again recently (274k, 9/10). The symptoms were not as prevalent as before - not spinnning freely, but had about 5 degrees of movement from left to right.

The plastic nubs inside the knob get brittle over time... I wish they would've been made from something a little more durable - or that BMW would've used a set screw. Maybe a nice black anodized aluminum.

[az3579]

We apologize for interrupting your scheduled programming for a (semi) serious reply...

In my e30, I've noticed that when I am driving - one hand at 10 and one hand on the shifter - I tend to grip the shift knob and twist it ever so slightly towards me (counterclockwise). This of course is amplified during spirited driving. When I bought the e30 (at ~196k) the knob was already loose and spun 360 degrees freely. It would come off in my hand when shifting to second. I replaced it then (196k, 12/06) and replaced it again recently (274k, 9/10). The symptoms were not as prevalent as before - not spinnning freely, but had about 5 degrees of movement from left to right.

The plastic nubs inside the knob get brittle over time... I wish they would've been made from something a little more durable - or that BMW would've used a set screw. Maybe a nice black anodized aluminum.

The knob in my old E30 is approaching 4 years old now and is as tight as it was when new.

Maybe you're manhandling your knob a little too rough. :p

(Sorry couldn't help it)

Sent from my DROIDX

[billschusteriv]

I probably am!

:biggrin

Or you just have that delicate touch....

[pyreguy]

I know I yank on mine harder when I get excited. Usually my right foot drops down right before this happens.

In hindsight I could have adapted the shifter and the knob to utilize a set screw... Oh well. A new knob'll do me.


Sent using alien technology and Tapatalk

[az3579]

A new knob'll do me.





:rofl

You might wanna revise that one...

[pyreguy]

...in the rear. Better? No? Oh....

[johnrando]

I know I yank on mine harder when I get excited.


Maybe revise that one too. :-)

[pyreguy]

Ive taken to beating it to keep it straight. Seems to work till I can get a new one....

I can do this all day... :biggrin


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[az3579]

Ive taken to beating it to keep it straight. Seems to work till I can get a new one....

I can do this all day... :biggrin


Sent using alien technology and Tapatalk

Duuuuuuude... you need a hobby...

Sent from my DROIDX

[pyreguy]

:rofl life is my hobby

[Johnmadd]

Maybe you should ease up on it.

[MsRN]

I know I yank on mine harder when I get excited. Usually my right foot drops down right before this happens.
Sent using alien technology and Tapatalk

You might want to see a neurologist about that...;)

[pyreguy]

Nah, I got this. ;)

Seriously though, for $80 I'm gonna try to modify this one before I go and buy a new one. Can't hurt the shifter. I will let y'all know what works.

[Johnmadd]

Maybe you should try a glue with an activation spray solution.

[JohnnyGraphic]

RELAX

Once the knob gets a little movement, it's only time before it's due to be replaced. I snapped the plastic thing off and tried all sorts of things to not have to get a new one. It got downright dangerous. I finally said "enough of this madness" and just bought a new one.

[pyreguy]

I have a feeling you're right and I'm probably too old to keep learning things the hard way. I'm gonna order one next week.

[Johnmadd]

Maybe you should try a glue with an activation spray solution.

I hope that nobody tried this on their weiner.

[az3579]

I hope that nobody tried this on their weiner.

Crap... you should've told me that before I... hmm, nevemind.

Sent from my DROIDX

[Marcus-SanDiego]

All right, guys. I think we've beat this one to death. (Hell, now you have me doing it.) :biggrin

[danewilson77]

All right, guys. I think we've beat this one to death. (Hell, now you have me doing it.) :biggrin

:rofl

[drew714]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum as of last week and I have a similar problem with my shift knob... fly's right off when i through it into second. Is there really no solution except buying another knob ? No glue, putty, epoxy, or duck tape solutions :)

thanks,
drew

hint of sarcasm with the duck tape

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Drew, welcome to the site.

A new ZHP knob is about $50-$60, so it's probably easier to just buy that and call it a day.

As for glue, putty, and epoxy, I bet it would work. Getting the knob off might prove more difficult down the road, though. And who knows what might happen if it gets too hot in the car (will the glue or other adhesives melt?).

Given the situation with your knob coming right off during your second-gear shift, I would definitely replace it sooner rather than later (which I'm sure you're doing, since you are in this thread asking a question about it).

Be sure to introduce in the new members forum (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?9-New-Members).

[danewilson77]

Do not glue or epoxy you knob to your shifter. Just push "ass hard" down on it to seat it properly.

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[kayger12]

I'd avoid the glue/epoxy. Don't need that settling in there and making it more difficult to actually change the knob out in the future if you decide to.

[zhpnsnv]

Is it me, or is the usage of "ass hard" in a thread about broken knobs just a little bit out of place?

Sorry. I had to. I will now leave this thread and never return.

[kayger12]

:rofl

[danewilson77]

:rofl

+1

Droid + Tapatalk = FTW!

[drew714]

Thanks for the advice,

I'll try the "ass hard" method tomorrow. If not its a new knob for me.

[Johnmadd]

Dead blow hammer?