A Quick Guide to Replacing Your Vehicle’s Shift Knob

Driving with a loose shift knob is not only frustrating but also dangerous, as it can make it difficult to change gears. To avoid this, you must replace your loose or worn shift knob immediately. But what should you be looking for in a replacement?

In this article, you’ll learn how to shop for a replacement shift knob and how to install it yourself.

What to Consider When Buying a Shift Knob Replacement

Although shopping for a new shift knob may seem easy, it can be overwhelming because of the wide range of options available on the market. Here are some factors you should consider when buying a shift knob replacement to find the best one for your ride:

Quality

Choose a shift knob that’s made out of sturdy materials, so you don’t have to worry about premature wear.

Application

Always check for compatibility before buying a new shift knob for your vehicle. Get a replacement designed for your ride’s specific year, make, and model to guarantee a perfect fit and easy installation.

You can also opt for a universal-fit option. Just make sure the attachment style matches that of your stick shift/gear selector. Otherwise, you may need an adapter kit to connect the knob to your stock shift rod.

Material and Attachment Style

Shift knobs can be made of plastic, aluminum, or leather. As for attachment styles, there are thread/screw-on, push-in, or bolt-on shift knobs and those attached with retaining clips. Before buying a shift knob, make sure it has the right thread size if it’s a thread-on or screw-on knob.

Color or Finish

If you want to add more personality to your vehicle’s interior, there are a lot of colors and finishes to choose from. Take your pick from black, white, chrome, and dark gray shift knobs. You can also choose from satin, natural, polished, brushed, and anodized finishes.

Manual vs. Automatic Shift Knobs

Transmission shift knobs vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Automatic transmission vehicles typically have gear selectors, which also need automatic shift knobs to work. Since they look similar, many people confuse these two knobs.

To differentiate them, keep in mind that stock manual shift knobs usually have an etching on top, containing the gears that the car can shift to. Automatic shift knobs, on the other hand, typically do not have these etchings.

Cost

The cost of a shift knob replacement varies depending on factors such as brand, material, and if you’re purchasing it as part of a kit. A new aftermarket shift knob can cost you anywhere from $10 to $75 on parts alone. An OEM shift knob, on the other hand, can cost you as much as $50 to $150.

How to Replace Your Vehicle’s Shift Knob

If your shift knob has come loose, follow these three simple steps to install a new gear shift knob on your vehicle.

Step 1: Put on the emergency brake

You will need to put on the emergency brake to prevent your vehicle from moving or shifting accidentally while you work. Then, place your ride in neutral to get better control over the gear shift as you work.

Step 2: Remove the old shift knob

There are two ways your shift knob can come off. The first is through a built-in threading at the bottom of the knob and inside the shifter. If your vehicle has this, simply turn the knob in a counterclockwise direction and remove it.

The second way is through a screw that holds the knob onto the shifter. If your shift knob has a screw, just use a wrench to take it off and pull the knob off.

Step 3: Install the new shift knob

Installing your new shift knob depends on two things: how you removed the old one and the fit of the replacement. If you bought a direct-fit shift knob, there shouldn’t be a problem with installation, as it can be attached as is. On the other hand, a universal-fit shift knob may need to be fitted with an adapter piece to fit over your shifter.

Get a Replacement Shift Knob

If your shift knob acts up, play it safe and stop driving your car or truck until you have it replaced. An issue with the knob might lead to additional transmission problems that can get expensive to fix. Fortunately, you don’t have to step out of your home to get a replacement shift knob, thanks to CarParts.com.

Enjoy the convenience of shopping online for a new shift knob here at CarParts.com. You can easily find the part that best fits your car or truck by entering its year, make, model, and engine in our website’s vehicle selector. Once you find the part you need, place your order with several taps on your phone. Furthermore, all our parts exclusively come from trusted manufacturers and meet the approval of our team of industry experts, ensuring their quality. Have a question about our products? Our helpful customer service team is always on hand.

So what are you waiting for? Check out CarParts.com’s selection of high-quality shift knobs and order the shift knob you need today!