Hiya, it's really easy - I did it myself yesterday and replaced the tatty old leather knob with a nice alloy Ripspeed one from Halfords. (1.8 Expression Sportwagon)
Take off the gaitor, by unclipping the base from the centre console, prising from the front to back.
Undo the rubber o ring that holds the gaitor onto the knob.
Pull old knob straight up, this requires a bit of effort.
You will be left with a white nylon fitting which is bonded to the steel shaft - you should leave this on if you are replacing the
knob with a manufacturers orginal.
If you want to fit an aftermarket part you need to do so directly onto the metal shaft, so take a hack saw and cut two intersecting angled cuts, one from top to middle and one from middle to bottom and prise off the nylon sleeve, just stop cutting when you get to the metal!
Now fit your shiny new replacement and voila !
Palais
July 2009