hi i,ve had my new astra just over 12 mnts now and i,m wanting to replace the gaiter and handbrake cover.i can get the gaiter out but i cant pull the leather cloth over the gear knob without ripping it. i,ve got a new gaiter to replace it but i cant get the new 1 over the gear knob i need to get the gear knob off. anyone got any idea how to do it . the model is sxi sport hatch and my gear knob has a chrome lever that i lift to selcet reverse. cheers

tozzasxi, December 2007

i have a corsa c comfort,2001, and im trying to change my gear knob but i can't get the original one off, anyone have any ideas how to do it, its a lift reverse
thankx

chris, January 2008

The gear Knob is glued (bonded) to the gear stick. Four methods I know of to remove it. 1 Cut it off with a junior hack saw - not good but possible to do. 2 Grip it with some plumbers grips (or large Mole grip wrench) and twist with a pulling up motion - not good for the rest of the mechanism 3. remove the whole gear stick assembly and boil the gear knob for a couple of minutes till its hot and grip through a cloth and twist it off - works a treat but a lot of work. 4 Heat the gear knob all around with a hair drier set on hot till you can barely hold it. Grip with a cloth and twist off - my preferred method and as easy as pie with least work. Takes about 5 minutes!

CORSA C mechanic, December 2007