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Secret to removing C5 shift knob?

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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 09:29 PM
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Default Secret to removing C5 shift ****?

OK, read all the threads, DIY stuff and have the shop manual. Got ready to swap shifters today and didn't make it past removing the plastic cap on the ****. Could not get the little "wedge" loose - prying didn't work (except to snap a corner off) and the vice grips just rounded the top so I backed off. So, short of a hacksaw, what's the secret? TIA!
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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 09:36 PM
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Originally Posted by jwight
Could not get the little "wedge" loose - prying didn't work (except to snap a corner off) and the vice grips just rounded the top so I backed off. So, short of a hacksaw, what's the secret? TIA!
If you snapped the corn off this means you are not square under the wedge. You need a good size screw driver or pry bar that fits uner the full lip of the wedge. Then you have to pop it up with a quick pry. They can be a REAL pita!
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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 09:52 PM
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I've used a couple of methods. BOth work.

First, grab with vice grips and pop it up with a snap of hammer.

Second, grab with channel locks or vice grips and pry up with big screw driver, but be careful not to damage the shifter ****.

Not too touch once you do it the first time.

D
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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 09:53 PM
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use the vice grip to clamp on to the wedge,then use a long flathead screwdriver as leverage to pry under the vice grip,worked for me and a few of my buddies that i did it the same way,hope it helps!
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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 10:35 PM
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i used vise grips to grab it, stuck a screw driver thru it all the way, and used a hammer to tap the screw driver up
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Old Sep 2, 2009 | 10:11 AM
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OK, hadn't tried any of those. Will have another go at it. Thanks!
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Old Sep 2, 2009 | 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by JropTop
use the vice grip to clamp on to the wedge,then use a long flathead screwdriver as leverage to pry under the vice grip,worked for me and a few of my buddies that i did it the same way,hope it helps!
That is the way I did it with great success.
I didn't have any luck hitting the vice grip with the hammer.
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Old Sep 2, 2009 | 11:56 AM
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I had to drill the top of the demon key, drive a screw into it, close the screw in a vise and use a rubber mallet to drive out the key. It sucked

Much happier now with a B&M though

Good luck

-Ed
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Old Sep 2, 2009 | 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by FASST LN
That is the way I did it with great success.
I didn't have any luck hitting the vice grip with the hammer.
Photo?
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Old Sep 2, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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I was able to grab it with a small vice grip and then gently tap it up & out using a small 12oz hammer.
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 04:08 PM
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I used two flat screwdrivers to pry equally on left and right side. Before that I tried everything and even almost put a hole the roof when the vice grips slipped off while pulling with all my strength.

Leverage and technique are the key. Use a towel to protect the leather **** if re-using.
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 04:24 PM
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Use a paint can opener and pry it up with that. It's safe, fast, easy and doesn't do damage to your car. Any other method can break things.
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 05:05 PM
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If you can't get the vice grips to hold, drill and chip it out.
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Old Sep 3, 2009 | 05:52 PM
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The secret is getting it to come out before you booger the key up.
I made a special tool by bending a piece of flat bar, and filing a slot in it to fit under the ears of the "T" shaped key.

Just one of the curses of being a mechanical engineer and having too much time on my hands.




Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Sep 3, 2009 at 05:55 PM.
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 07:25 AM
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TEXHAWK0,

Asome tool!! Pretty smart thinking on your part. To bad you didn't come up with this back about 1997, could have supplied this to GM as one of their special tools found in the repair manuals and sold them to all the dealers!
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 08:20 AM
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[QUOTE=TEXHAWK0;1571372846]The secret is getting it to come out before you booger the key up.
I made a special tool by bending a piece of flat bar, and filing a slot in it to fit under the ears of the "T" shaped key.


you could prolly venture a small business selling those
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