Replacing the shift boot and knob

[marxman]

I would like to replace the shift knob and boot on my 98 Beetle. Once I pop up the plate on the console, can anyone tell me how to get the knob and boot off.
Any help is appreciated.

[MGooday]

I just did this recently, and it was challenging, but I didn't know how...

After you pull up on the boot, at the base of the knob there is a metal ring that is tensioned around the shaft. You have to pry it open some, then pull the knob straight up (it doesn't unscrew).

You now have the knob and boot off together. If you are replacing both, just slip the new one on and you're done (mine had a new tension ring, but I chose not to tighten it, as I may want to take the knob back off if I sell the car or something - the knob holds fine without tightening it).

If you are changing the boot, take a thin flat-head screwdriver, slide it between the knob and the boot on the outside, and pry the two apart. I spent quite a while trying to get the leather retainer off from the inside, before I discovered it was pretty easy to separate them from the outside.

Hope this helps!

MitchB.

[marxman]

Thanks for the advice.

[marxman]

Thanks for the advice.