Gear shift knob Locking nut won't come off | FerrariChat
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Gear shift knob Locking nut won't come off

Discussion in '348/355' started by oper8, Oct 21, 2006.

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  1. oper8

    oper8 Karting

    Feb 23, 2006
    66
    Las Vegas
    #1 oper8, Oct 21, 2006
    I was in the process of realigning my gear shift knob because somehow it became crooked. I followed everyone's advice and first unscrewed the locking nut with a wrench.

    I repositioned the gear shift knob but when I went to tighten the locking nut, it won't tighten straight. I think the threads on the inside of the knob. . .being fifteen years old. . .are either stripped or crooked. Nonetheless I can't even get the nut completely off the gear shift shaft to remove it and replace it with a new one. It keeps getting stuck on the threaded portion of the top portion of the shaft.

    Short of taking a blow torch to it. . .any suggestions? Help?!?
     
  2. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
    Vegas+Alabama
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    Mr. Sideways
    #2 No Doubt, Oct 21, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    You can squirt some Liquid Wrench onto the threads, let it sit for an hour, and then attempt to remove the lock nut. If so, you got off easy.

    If not, pull out your $80 dremmel and cut the lock nut in half (hopefully without cutting into your shift-shaft).
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  3. MaleficVTwin

    MaleficVTwin F1 Rookie

    Jun 5, 2006
    4,312
    Reno NV
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    Matt
    #3 MaleficVTwin, Oct 21, 2006
    Before breaking out power tools, consider that you might have some narfed threads at the top of the shaft. I'm assuming you can get the knob off, of course, but you might try running a die down the shaft to clean up any damaged threads. I'm not sure what the thread pitch is, but I'm sure someone else can pitch in on that one.
     
  4. oper8

    oper8 Karting

    Feb 23, 2006
    66
    Las Vegas
    #4 oper8, Oct 21, 2006
    Actually, the mixed up threads I believe are on the locking nut itself, not the gear shift shaft. . .thus if of anyone knows of a way to just help me get the nut to unscrew all the way off the top of the shaft or else get the threads to become so loose that the nut will simply come off the top, let me know
     
  5. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,199
    Mount Isa, Australia
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    Pap
    #5 PAP 348, Oct 21, 2006
    If the threads on the lock nut have picked-up the thread.............then good luck trying to get the nut off shaft without damaging the thread on the shaft mate. As already mentioned, you are better off cutting the lock nut off because if you try to wind the lock nut up the shaft, It will most certainly damage the thread on the gear stick and then you will have to try clean the threads up afterwards or complete screw it. Cut the lock nut off, if you cannot wind the lock nut off easily. I have had many many instances where the thread gets damaged beyond repair when you force damaged/siezed nuts over a good thread on bolts/studs ect.....:) Good luck.
     
  6. No Doubt

    No Doubt Seven Time F1 World Champ

    May 21, 2005
    72,740
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    Mr. Sideways
    #6 No Doubt, Oct 21, 2006

    Very well said, mate!
     
  7. rivee

    rivee F1 Rookie

    Jan 20, 2002
    3,731
    Nowhere important, USA
    Full Name:
    John
    #7 rivee, Oct 23, 2006
    If you don't want to risk damaging the shaft threads while cutting off the nut, just unscrew it so it comes clear of the threads at the bottom of the shaft
     

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