V70 Gear knob removal

[Bigfella666]

Cheers Lux plainly great minds think alike

Strikes me that if you use excess pressure pulling up yoo risk damaging below

If you tap up it is inevitable the plastic clips will break, similarly force the Volvo tool upwards and same result likely

I am in touch with the son of the guy I bought Saffy from he is a good lad. Punted with him the idea his old man swapped the original knob out put a torn one in its place and glued it. His response was highly likely my old man is a gypsy only cared about the money he is making not the notch job he has just done !!!

[Bigfella666]

Cooks would you guide me please on where I will find Bashers post

Pretty sure the tool will not insert any deeper without breaking the clips as it is sleeved to prevent precisely that

[Cookeh]

It is in this thread of yours, about a third of the way down.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=305386

[Bigfella666]

Thanks Cooks you are are a star

You mean the thread I had put in the wrong section and then forgot I had !

[Baffler]

Can you release the gaiter retainer tabs first (hidden beneath the shroud of the gear knob) and slide the gaiter down the shaft to better access the gear knob tabs with the tool? Also try twist the tool from left to right to ensure all the tabs are released.

[Bigfella666]

Done all of that Baffs and no joy !!

Found a thread on a Yankee site which I am gonna try when it cools down in next few days. Involves securing a pair of mole grips at the base of the knob then using a second pair to lever upwards

Do you happen to know how difficult it is to remove the handbrake gaitor - chaps in Italy gave sent me a splendid sheet of orange hide and doing that also us very tempting !

Many thanks for ya post

[Baffler]

Originally Posted by Bigfella666

Do you happen to know how difficult it is to remove the handbrake gaitor - chaps in Italy gave sent me a splendid sheet of orange hide and doing that also us very tempting !

You'll need to remove the complete centre console to access where the handbrake gaiter is attached from inside/underneath. I think they used a form of plastic spot welder to attach the gaiters synthetic material to the plastic trim. All very well from a manufacturing environment point of view so you might want to invest in some strong epoxy glue such as Arldite to fix the leather in place.

Originally Posted by Bigfella666

Found a thread on a Yankee site which I am gonna try when it cools down in next few days. Involves securing a pair of mole grips at the base of the knob then using a second pair to lever upwards

That could be an option but be mindful applying such force on the clips/tabs will most likely result in a loose fitting on re-assembly unless you plan to apply some adhesive.

You should also note there's a keyway moulded into the inside of the knob which aligns with the channel running along the forward edge of the lever shaft...this prevents the knob from spinning.

I carried out the removal on a V40 with the M56 gearbox so assumed all manual shifters were of a similar principle but, interestingly, there are conflicting procedures on VADIS. For the S/V40 the procedure is as previously advised but for the 850 they say to cut the gear knob back with a suitable knife and use a pincers to gnaw away the plastic...absolute brute force approach so you must have a new part to hand

Fortunately, Biggy, I do have a complete assembly that I removed from a 850 breaker so I'm going, as we speak, to have a look.

[Bigfella666]

Thanks Baffs much appreciated

I decided to take the plunge and order a set of Teng grips so I have some options

Also waiting for Bernie at what was Braydons for his advice- in fact you gave reminded me to send Steve ( parts guvnor ) a chaser !

Like you say I full image of the gear lever would be very helpful so I know what I am up against !

[Baffler]

Ok, I'm aware this is out of the car and upside down, which I know makes it a hell of a lot easier to work on, but just to give you some idea:





The top of the rubber bellows leads to the underside of the gaiter retainer and is held in place with three lugs. Removing the bellows (it'll stretch a little) allows for a little more movement of the retainer







But before you go disturbing the above see if you can pry down the gaiter retainer from under the gear knob shroud. Ideally a flat nylon trim removal tool at either side or you may get a flathead screwdriver either side

[Bigfella666]

Baffs you are a star
Your input very much appreciated, will let you know how I get on