[cortxdp]

The shift boot of my '11 is starting to crack at some point. It has only 15000 km to the counter and 6 month old. Since it's my first manual trans. I'm not sure if it's normal... I think it's not!

Is this happening to other people?

 

[audio-neon]

The shift boot of my '11 is starting to crack at some point. It has only 15000 km to the counter and 6 month old. Since it's my first manual trans. I'm not sure if it's normal... I think it's not!

Is this happening to other people?

3 years and 63xxx miles before mine tore.

 

[jlobaugh]

I'm at 5 months and 9000 miles, the boot is still pliable and showing no signs of cracking. Although, as soon at I can figure out how to get that damn knob off, I'm going to stitch a new leather boot and glue it to the existing frame/holder thingy(thats a technical term, BTW).

 

[Murman]

11K miles in 4.5 months. No signs of wear...

 

[Phiu-x]

Dealer replaced mine

After 2 months of ownership mine was cracking all over. The cold winter rendered it extremely friable. Dealer told me that on the original part, the faux leather is cheap. The replacement seem of better quality ... its thicker. But I'll really know for sure this winter.

 

[adb1723]

i've had my 2008 5spd riot for 3 months now, put aruond 3500 miles on it since i brought it home (41000 total). noticed my boot is ripping in the bottom left corner.

 

[soflatechie]

09 riot - about 37K, no issues...

 

[jepstr67]

3 years and 63xxx miles before mine tore.

Same here.

It is purely decorative. Unlike old cars, there is no hole in the floor under the shifter. Cold air or road dirt can not blow up into the car if the shifter boot is missing.

 

[jepstr67]

I'm at 5 months and 9000 miles, the boot is still pliable and showing no signs of cracking. Although, as soon at I can figure out how to get that damn knob off, I'm going to stitch a new leather boot and glue it to the existing frame/holder thingy(thats a technical term, BTW).

Just pull like hell. It will come off.

 

[jlobaugh]

Just pull like hell. It will come off.

I have. Even went so far as to build a 3:1 pulley rig, attach it to an i-beam in the garage, open the sunroof, and still fail to remove it:doh:. I was actually afraid that i was going to pull the entire mechanism out of the riot. I tried a strap wrench as well... NFG:doh:.

I'm starting to wonder if I can get a short-throw shifter from a caliber, then removing that ridiculous knob will become a moot point, and it will be even more fun to drive epper:

 

[Jeep Frank]

I bought my jeep in March 2008. And with 36,000 miles it's just starting to split at the seams.

 

[jepstr67]

I have. Even went so far as to build a 3:1 pulley rig, attach it to an i-beam in the garage, open the sunroof, and still fail to remove it:doh:. I was actually afraid that i was going to pull the entire mechanism out of the riot. I tried a strap wrench as well... NFG:doh:.

I'm starting to wonder if I can get a short-throw shifter from a caliber, then removing that ridiculous knob will become a moot point, and it will be even more fun to drive epper:

Well, that was how I got mine off. Just pull really hard. I guess wait until a cold day in winter or a hot day in summer and try it then. I'm done with that know. I threaded the shaft 1/2-coarse, and put a round knob on there. I prefer a round shifter knob. It doesn't have a pattern on it though.

I let a friend drive the car. She was totally unable to find any gears without the shift pattern. I thought "it's a 5 speed" would be self explanatory as to where the gears would be since she worked in a transmission shop. :doh:

 

[Zuki]

Just had my shifter boot replaced at the dealer about a month ago. 2010 with 9000km.

 

[pvirga88]

Just pull like hell. It will come off.

Yeah but watch you don't punch yourself in the face or your passenger if you have one for that matter... Experience Talking

 

[patriot09]

It's really surprising to read about all the bad luck with these shifter boots.

My father has an 2007 5-Speed Compass with 82,000 on the clock and his boot looks like new.

 

[jlobaugh]

Yeah but watch you don't punch yourself in the face or your passenger if you have one for that matter... Experience Talking

Did you get yours off? The knob on the '11 seems to be different than prior years.

 

[Wooden Dog]

Just about 5 weeks short of 3 years and now 32000 miles and I see a small tear/hole in mine. Dealer ordered the replacement under warranty and will install it as soon as it gets here.

 

[Phiu-x]

3rd shift boot in less than a year

Now the one I got installed last july is bad too. Cracks all over. Its definitely the cold. Had no problem until mid january where the temps got way low and crack appeared. Its the cold... Avg -27 ºC ( -16.6 ºF) in the morning a couple days and the shift boot will crack. I can hear it under these condition when I shift.:wow:

As long as its under warranty I will make a trip to my dealer. My appointment is on for the 28th. I will ask them to give me the old part so I can eventually custom order one made of real leather online.