does anyone have any tips for the easy removal or the factory gear stick without damaging the nylon socket?i've bottled out trying to fit my new quickshift as the original one won't move!the instructions that came with it simply said to pull the lever backwards to pop it out of the socket.dying to try it but dont want to knacker it!!!

 

Once you have the bolt undone and removed, it really is just a case of pulling backwards, and levering the end out. I comes out with a jerk, so be careful.

Putting the new one in is the tough bit.:

I did mine by greasing it, then putting it in at an angle before pushing down hard.......the angle bit helps to open the socket.

Alcazar

 

As Alcazar says, you can pop the ball out of the socket, but if you want the belt and braces method, just get under the car with a pair of outside circlip pliers and take the clip off the underside of the socket.

Socket will come out the top of the linkage, opening up like the petals of a flower as it does so. Take old gearstick out, put new one in, push socket back down (might need to get someone to hold it down) and replace the circlip.

 

Dont forget the big circlip as mentioned!

Les

 

the removal of the circlip on mine was a right bugger !

Once its off though, the stick comes out easily and it wasn't too tricky to re-insert.

If you've not circlip pliers - GET SOME ! I did it without, but it took 2 of us half an hour...

Mark