Gearlever Dust Boots

[megab]

I've decided to replace my dust boots as I'm pretty sure it's never been done before and I'm hopeful of a slightly less rattly gearlever afterwards. There's a very good description of how to do it on the MX5OC forum but I've unfortunately (and typically) got stuck at the first hurdle: My gearnob won't come off! It's an aftermarket aluminium one, though I have no idea where the PO got it from; is it possible that it will come off any other way than just screwing?

Thanks,

Gabriel

[Wilburo]

What the hell is a dust boot!?

[megab]

http://www.mx5ocforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=57739

Apparently it can solve both noise and heat issues (or at least help them), so I think it could be useful for a couple of people on here if they haven't already done it.

Anyway, I've still not got the gearnob off, but I've found that I don't actually have to in order to do the job, and have discovered that when the PO fitted his short shift kit, he removed BOTH boots!!!! And, there's no oil whatsoever in the turret!!! No wonder it rattles!! Hopefully I'll get the parts tomorrow and will then report any improvement made. Also worth noting that the little plastic cup on the end of the gearlever has completely disintegrated.

Gabriel

EDIT: Actually I will have to get the nob off to replace the boots... If it's aluminium and the stick is steel will they have bound? Do I need to start looking for a new lever from a breaker?

Edited by megab on Wednesday 5th November 19:16

[ywouldi]

Assuming you are talking about the rubber boots then, yes, you will have to have your knob off. You sure there isn't a grub screw somewhere, there often is on aftermarket knobs.

[MX-5 Lazza]

As ywouldi said, many aftermarket gearknobs are held on with a grubscrew (or more than one in the case of Momo). These are often hidden under a threaded collar that you have to unscrew before you can get to the grubscrew(s).

[megab]

Cheers Guys.

Spot on Lazza, there was a collar covering them that i didn't notice.