I never had 2 much problem. I just put my hand under the boot and lifted up the panel. Pulled the boot up the gear leaver, and held it with vice pliers. Then put a tea towel on the gear nob and loosened it with a pair of swan necks. Unscrewed it and swapped it over with the new Nissmo one. However, not only does it rattle because i left the spacer or sleave in. It's as cold as hell in the morning to touch!