I thought I followed the directions posted on the redline goods website to replace my shift boot, but haven't been able to get the boot to release at the top by rotating counterclockwise and pushing down, as suggested.

https://www.redlinegoods.com/HHR07install.php

The top ring holding the boot just rotates, but doesn't come down the shaft.
I don't want to risk breaking it, so I stopped and thought I'd ask here if anyone here has managed to successfully change the shift boot on a manual trans.

FWIW, I've searched the site and elsewhere and have had no luck.

 

You do realize that the HHR SS has a different knob and removal process than the regular HHR's ? Those instructions you show seem to be for the regular shifter knob.
There are some old threads on this site about the SS knob. I think that all years on the SS you had to remove the shift pattern plate to get to a small screw under it.
Maybe someone who has done this on a SS will check in and confirm.

 

Didn't know that, but it doesn't surprise me.

I looked for threads on the subject, but my search skills are apparently lacking. I was unable to find anything helpful.

 

Here's a Cobalt SS shift boot and knob replacement video, which might help:



Steve

 

Thanks Steve. I'll have a look.

 

Hi Matz.... HERE US YOUR SOLUTION (SS SPECIFIC)

You've probably figured this by now. I need a shift cable adjustment... so I had to go thru this removal process. Here's what I learned...

First off, the SS boot, is different, as it the method of removal. The boot CANNOT be removed from the shifter by rotating it CCW 90 degree like some others. The boot is tightly held to the shifter's reverse lockout slide with a tie strap (on the inside of the boot). See pictures.below.

The second eye opener is that SS shift ball has a unique method to attach, You'll see from the pictures that I used a rubber oil wrench tool (Harbor Freight) to pull this SS OEM ball off (after removing the emblem cap and Torx 20 screw). I saw a You Tube video where a guy used a wheel puller. I didn't have one. You really have to pull! (it's pressed onto a splined shaft). But the rubber wrench worked.






You really gotta pull!







To get to shift cables... looks like more work to do.

 

Thanks @Compressed !! The pictures and your description are really helpful!
I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't changed out the shift boot yet. Other projects and whatnot have distracted me, so I need to wait for a warm(er) day and get this done, and soon.