Shifter Screw Removal Method

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Dec 26, 2018 | 11:13 AM

Bingo002

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 220

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From: Sterling Heights, MI

Shifter Screw Removal Method

Hey guys, I'm in the process of removing my center console on my '08 Z06, and the phillip's head screw holding the shift **** on is giving me some grief. I can get plenty of torque on it, but I'm beginning to strip the head. Because it is surrounded by leather, I cannot simply blast it with heat, so what do y'all recommend to get this thing out? Thanks.

Dec 26, 2018 | 11:30 AM

Tooth Doctor

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 839

Likes: 323

From: Maumelle Arkansas

Soak it with penetrating oil overnight. Put your screwdriver on it and tap the screwdriver with a hammer to "shock" the screw to help it break loose. Make sure the screwdriver fits the screwhead tightly and try to unscrew it. If all that fails you may have to drill it out.

Dec 26, 2018 | 11:37 AM

BlindSpot

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2016

Posts: 7,185

Likes: 1,546

From: Florida

Are you sure the screw is a phillips and not a torx? I haven't had mine off in a very long time, but I don't remember phillips.

Dec 26, 2018 | 11:54 AM

rclrs

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 44

Likes: 6

From: Orland Park IL

I think it is a torx head screw

Dec 26, 2018 | 02:42 PM

Bingo002

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Oct 2018

Posts: 220

Likes: 109

From: Sterling Heights, MI

Quote:

Originally Posted by EFOpackage

ya I could try soaking it. I’m hesitant to hammer the screw driver for the sake of the shifter bushings.

And yes, the screw is a phillip’s head, they all were on the 2008 Z’s, it is not a T-25.

Last edited by Bingo002; Dec 26, 2018 at 02:55 PM.

Dec 27, 2018 | 02:23 AM

joliett

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 786

Likes: 58

From: New Paltz NY

I think I used the hammer impact driver used for motorcycles...but I didn't have to hit it with a hammer. The Philips screwdriver fit the screw so well it removed it easily with just hand torque. If you do hit it, back the shift lever with a heavy metal block.

For heating the screw safely:
Apply some heat directly to the screw head using an electric soldering gun. Be careful, oil is flammable, so wipe up any excess before trying this one.

Good luck!

Last edited by joliett; Dec 27, 2018 at 02:34 AM.

Dec 27, 2018 | 05:30 AM

theandrewo

Pro

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 662

Likes: 63

From: Fresno CA

Man, I ran into this same problem about 2 weeks ago. The Phillips head (not torx) was already half stripped and covered in factory loc-tite and no screwdriver or impact screwdriver would make it budge, even with help of a friend pushing on the other side of the stick for extra force. Spent 15min reading a hundred different suggestions about it on forums.

Then I just busted out the ol’ impact driver, threw the appropriate Phillips bit in her, and hammered that puppy out in about 1 second flat. Problem solved. Don’t overthink it like I did.

Dec 28, 2018 | 12:12 PM

Fly N Low

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 209

Likes: 42

From: Chestertown Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bingo002

Whether it is Torx or Phillips (but I think it's Torx) put a little valve lapping compound on the end of your screwdriver and then try to break it loose. This will keep screwdriver from slipping as easily. That screw has loctite on it is the reason you are having problems. Normally heat would be the answer but not in this case.