Replacing shifter ball/knob on a 355- any trick? | FerrariChat
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Replacing shifter ball/knob on a 355- any trick?

Discussion in '348/355' started by andrew911, Feb 11, 2015.

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  1. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    Sep 8, 2003
    2,894
    Northern NJ
    #1 andrew911, Feb 11, 2015
    Any trick to replacing the shifter ball/knob? I just ordered a new OEM one from Ricambi (some slight scratches on the one in my car)...is it tough to get the old one off? Do I need to use a rag and vice grips to hold the lever while unscrewing the lock nut or is it not that tight? Once I loosen the lock nut, does the top generally unscrew easily?
     
  2. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Nov 19, 2001
    22,620
    The Brickyard
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    #2 ernie, Feb 11, 2015
    Very easy.

    Just undo the lock nut under the ball, then unscrew the shift ball.
     
  3. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    Sep 8, 2003
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    #3 andrew911, Feb 11, 2015
    This may be a dumb question, but does the lock nut unscrew counterclockwise to make it move down an decrease pressure on the shifter/ball? Is it really tight (do I need the vice grips to hold the shift lever) or do you think I can just unscrew the lock nut with the lever by itself? I just don't want to mess up anything with the shifter either cosmetically or mechanically :)
     
  4. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    Apr 27, 2001
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    #4 Meister, Feb 11, 2015
    It should not be on there very tight. You can hold the old ball in one hand and work the wrench with the other. It's been a while since I changed mine, but looking at it from above, the lock nut under the ball should move away from the shift ball by turning it clockwise. This is technically "tightening it on the shaft" but in reality it's moving away from the ball down the shaft. The nut locks the ball by moving up the shaft and keeping tension on it if that makes sense.
     
  5. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    Sep 8, 2003
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    #5 andrew911, Feb 11, 2015
    That does make sense- thanks guys!
     
  6. ketel

    ketel Formula 3

    Aug 6, 2007
    1,355
    Sausalito, CA
    #6 ketel, Feb 13, 2015
    what size wrench? Also, did any of you use penetrating fluid. My nut is on super tight.

    ketel
     

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