Chipped chrome on shift knob, how to fix?

[kpatz]

My shift knob is missing some of the chrome paint around the ring, as shown in this pic. Can this be fixed easily with some sort of paint? Or can I replace the piece without replacing the entire shift knob?

It drives me nuts because I can feel it when I'm shifting (it's rough where the paint chipped off).



On another forum all I've gotten for replies is "replace the knob". I'd like to save that as a last resort and hopefully do a DIY fix here. I haven't found any aftermarket knobs that I like the look of. Does the plate with the shift pattern come out easily?

[HeHateMe]

I have no idea about the plate but I upgraded to the USP knob and it has a much better feel to it. If you can love a shift knob, I love mine.

[EBG 18T]

you are going to just have to buy a new one. Repairing chrome plating is a PIA and not worth the time or effort.

when did they make 5 speeds, i thought almost all of us had 6-spds?

[Peter@VMRWheels]

Warranty it, or buy a new knob... its more trouble than its worth, the plastic needs to be chromed and you'll have to take the whole thing apart....

Originally posted by kpatz
My shift knob is missing some of the chrome paint around the ring, as shown in this pic. Can this be fixed easily with some sort of paint? Or can I replace the piece without replacing the entire shift knob?

It drives me nuts because I can feel it when I'm shifting (it's rough where the paint chipped off).



On another forum all I've gotten for replies is "replace the knob". I'd like to save that as a last resort and hopefully do a DIY fix here. I haven't found any aftermarket knobs that I like the look of. Does the plate with the shift pattern come out easily?

[EuroTrash A4 NY]

same thing happened 2 mine, plat. interior aswell. i just chipped all of it off and hopefully i can somehow get that ring off and maybe plasti dip it?

[kpatz]

Originally posted by HeHateMe
I have no idea about the plate but I upgraded to the USP knob and it has a much better feel to it. If you can love a shift knob, I love mine.

Can you post a pic of the USP knob? Where'd you get it?

I like how the OEM knob just "goes with" the car, whereas most aftermarket knobs just look too, uh, ricey. I like the feel of the leather knob too. I might just have to get the Euro knob from vagparts or something like that. That's the only knob I've found so far that I'm impressed with. Or an RS4 knob, but I think those are only 6-speed.

1.8Ts were 5-speed up until 2005 I believe. Mine's a 2002.

[A4TUNE]

Originally posted by kpatz
Can you post a pic of the USP knob? Where'd you get it?

I like how the OEM knob just "goes with" the car, whereas most aftermarket knobs just look too, uh, ricey. I like the feel of the leather knob too. I might just have to get the Euro knob from vagparts or something like that. That's the only knob I've found so far that I'm impressed with. Or an RS4 knob, but I think those are only 6-speed.

1.8Ts were 5-speed up until 2005 I believe. Mine's a 2002.

I think you're just going to have to replace the whole knob.

BTW I think 2002-2003 are 5speed and 2004 and up are 6.

[Ruska]

this happened to mine too. I just noticed it the other day. Ive got a 6spd. Ill probably just replace the knob when I get my short shifter. I think a lot of after market knobs look to ricey too. Ill probably stay with an Audi one.

[gohan]

happens all the time, just buy a aftermarket one.

[rudtf]

same thing happened to me, i got it warrantied... and the dealer hooked me up with a new boot as well

[kpatz]

Yesterday I chipped off a little more of the chrome and now it isn't as rough under my hand, so I'll probably just live with it until I get a short shifter and new knob. Though next time I'm in an auto parts store I'll see if they have chrome touch-up paint, maybe I can "fix" it with that.