Shift Boot Removal

[evinm0d]

Searching shows plenty of posts and references to videos for shift knob removal and replacement but I'm struggling to find anything that shows how to remove the shift boot. Once you pull the center console out, how do you separate the boot (and ring to which it's stapled) from the surrounding trim? Does it just pop out?

I'm also curious if anyone has any success/issues using an aftermarket boot (like BFI). I was using some leather conditioner on my boot today and realized there's actually a hole in one of the crease/folds. That's about all the justification I needed to start looking for a replacement :)

Thanks in advance!
-Brian

[shonseb]

Just pops out with force
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...onic-Knob-swap

[evinm0d]

Thanks, shonseb! Assume it's the same for 6MT. If the boot/ring just pops out with force, any idea why most of the tutorials for shift knob replacement end up pulling the whole console out?

[shonseb]

not sure why they pull the console out, it's not needed. I pulled it out with my bare hands but I remember there was one tutorial that recommended using the "Official Audi Shift Boot Removal Tool" (aka a plastic spatula ). I'm sure any plastic pry tool would help pop it off if needed.

[Nofind]

I actually just swapped out my boot and knob a few weeks ago. I ended up popping out the center console as it didn't look like you could just remove the boot assembly without removing it first. Once the center console was removed I was able to push the ring out through the back of the console before removing the boot from the ring itself.

Removing the console was actually pretty easy and didn't require any tools. I just followed this video to do the swap https://youtu.be/qILI8mvjHWU

[Nofind]

Couple of shots if you're interested


http://i.imgur.com/i6b52sg.jpg

[evinm0d]

I actually just swapped out my boot and knob a few weeks ago. I ended up popping out the center console as it didn't look like you could just remove the boot assembly without removing it first. Once the center console was removed I was able to push the ring out through the back of the console before removing the boot from the ring itself.

Removing the console was actually pretty easy and didn't require any tools. I just followed this video to do the swap https://youtu.be/qILI8mvjHWU

Very helpful, thanks. Did you use the BFI boot? Any issues attaching to the ring w/ tape or staples?

[Nofind]

It's the bfi boot. The Staples came out easy, just popped one end out at a time and then pulled the rest out with pliers.
The new boot I attached with contact glue. That combined with the press fit seems to be more than enough hold.

[Nofind]

Overall I am pleased with the whole set up. Another option you can look at is the shift knob boot combo at europrice if you want to go stock https://europrice.us/shift-knob-and-...leather-manual
That said I'm really pleased with how much the shift knob refreshes the entire interior. I hadn't realized how worn the entire knob and boot had gotten until I pulled it out.