Shift Knob Removal - 2nd Generation

[Marc]

I was able to remove the shift knob on my 2001 by using my knees as a leverage point. I also saw why the knob was hard to remove. There was a small amount of rust or corrosion at one place that I will point out in the sketch below, which shows the stick:
There is a groove into which 2 small catches inside the knob fit. There was some corrosion there. See the sketch:





The knob itself comes off as one piece:

[macadamiaman]

I was thinking, from everyone's trouble with their shift knobs, that perhaps some plant workers used some sort of glue or something to keep it in. Looks like the rust acted as glue. What to do to stop that?

[Marc]

After I got the knob off, I cleaned off the rust & what looked like some white colored deposit above & below the groove. I then put a small dab of wheel bearing grease in the area of the groove, & put the knob back on.
Now the knob can be removed easily with one hand.

[Wacko]

Thanks for taking one for the team, Marc. Good information for anyone that wishes to change the knob.

[Marc]

OK!

[luvmybravada]

So, did you get your knew knob yet?

[Marc]

I have sent to www.gmpartsdirect.com for one. I'm hoping to get it this week.