I know I am supposed to be able to yank it off but I just can't do it!!!

I have a b&m short shifter with stock ****. Just got a Whalen and try to put it on but the sucker just won't come off! Can someone help?

Thanks

 

It will come off...just brace yourself across it,one foot in each footwell, and make sure you don't pop yourself in the nose when it comes off...it does take some serious effort, but theres no real trick to it

 

It is also recommended that if you have a sunroof, to open it before trying to pull the **** off. This is if you yank so hard that once it does release, your hands go flying up above your head, that you don't hit and possibly shatter the sunroof glass...

Good luck!

 

put some muscle in it.

putting it into gear also helped.

 

Put it in 2nd gear and pull like a mule.

 

Or...you could use a large crescent wrench and a 3lb sledge. Set the crescent just larger than the shifter shaft, put it under the **** and whack it from the underside with the sledge. Sunroof rules definitely apply!

 

It doesn't take serious muscle to get it off, but it does take some serious effort and pulling. And when it pops off, you'll likely be caught off guard, so opening the sunroof is a very good suggestion. Also a football helmet, so you don't knock yourself out. Ok, the second tip was a joke. Kinda.

 

Can you put it back on after its removed?

 

I just asked the dealership to do it for me :P

 

Com'on man, put your back into it...

 

Yes; but sometimes the little plastic snaps get a bit deformed after removing the ****, and it may come off the lever a bit easier from then on (though that could be a GOOD thing!).

 

I stumbled across a web page somewhere that suggested (as above) putting on foot in each footwell, putting the shift lever in 2nd gear, and then (here's the different part) reaching over and around the **** with one hand so your palm is facing away from you and your thumb and forefinger are under the ****. Then reach around in the same fashion with the other hand, so both hands are gripping the **** with your thumbs down, wrists crossed, and your palms facing each other.

This sounds pretty awkward (and I haven't tried it), but it would seem to reduce the chance you'd hit your face or your sunroof with the **** when it comes flying off. (Rearview mirror, maybe?)

Sorry I didn't bookmark the page. I think it was a page about Z3s or some other BMW model. (Don't blame me if you break something, please!)

 

I have to say, that there was very minimal risk of breaking the sunroof when I was removing the **** in my convertible....

 

wear a mouth guard too!

 

Pfunk...if it's still on when you get to AMVIV, I'll remove it for you.

 

i just grabbed it (both hands) put my arms on my knees and pushed up with my
ankles.

 

It actually does get easier to remove after the first time - just like lots of other things.

 

Hmm - maybe I did it the wrong way but it worked for me. I used one of those rubber strap wrenches - and jiggled and twisted the **** off. No damage of any kind.

I don't even have my whalen yet. I expect it any day now. But as soon as I ordered mine I went out to see if I could get my stock **** off.

 

You can do it!

 

while pullin' up, twist the **** back and forth, it will open up the prongs on the shift rod. also helps if its real warm out.

 

Excellent point about heat!

A hair drier on high, aimed at the bottom of the **** for a few minutes, should help dramatically.

 

I put mine in 4th, and sitting in the druvers seat just pulled it off, does take a little bit of work though, I'll have to try the hair drier next time

 

Thanks guys. Hair dryer really helped. After wiggling for a while, it finally came off!

I know I am little late in the game here but I love the Whalen!!