Upgrade Your 2022 WRX Shift Knob for Style and Performance

Upgrading the Shift Knob on a 2022 WRX

The 2022 WRX comes equipped from the factory with a basic black shift knob. While functional, many WRX owners choose to upgrade to an aftermarket shift knob that better matches their style and provides a more premium feel when rowing through the gears.

Why Upgrade the Shift Knob?

There are a few reasons why upgrading the shift knob on a 2022 WRX is a popular mod:

• Improve styling - Aftermarket shift knobs come in various colors, shapes, and materials allowing you to customize the look and feel of your interior.
• Enhance grip - Upgraded shift knobs can provide more grip and control when shifting quickly on a track or winding backroad.
• Reduce vibrations - Heavy weighted shift knobs dampen vibrations and lead to smoother shifts.

Types of Shift Knobs

When upgrading the shift knob on a 2022 WRX, you have a lot of options to consider including:

• Material - Shift knobs come in metal, carbon fiber, leather, delrin plastic, and other exotic materials. Each has their own styling, grip characteristics, and price point.
• Shape - Spherical, cylindrical, teardrop, and custom shaped shift knobs allow you to pick a look that matches your style.
• Weight - Heavier shift knobs around 500g can enhance shift feel, while lightweight knobs allow quicker shifts.
• Thread pitch - Ensure any aftermarket shift knob matches the WRX's M12x1.25 shift thread pitch.

Popular Shift Knob Upgrades

When upgrading the 2022 WRX shift knob, some top options to consider include:

• Raceseng Ashiko
• Perrin Weighted Shift Knob
• Cobb Short Shift Knob
• Boomba Racing Shift Knob
• Subaru OEM STI Shift Knob

These all balance quality, performance, styling, and price making them great choices to upgrade the stock shift knob.

Installing an Aftermarket Shift Knob

Putting a new shift knob onto a 2022 WRX only takes a few simple steps and basic hand tools.

What You'll Need

• Aftermarket shift knob
• Adjustable wrench or channel locks
• Shop rag

Installation Steps

Follow these straightforward instructions when replacing the stock shift knob on a 2022 WRX:

1. Shift into neutral and set the parking brake.
2. Use the shop rag to clean any dirt and oil off the threads of the gear shifter.
3. Use channel locks or an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the stock shift knob by turning counter clockwise.
4. Inspect the threads on the gear shifter - re-clean if needed.
5. Test screw the new aftermarket shift knob onto the threads and ensure it seats fully down without obstruction.
6. Tighten the shift knob down using the channel locks or adjustable wrench, being careful not to overtighten.
7. Check that the threading on the shift assembly and knob match and the knob feels snug in place.
8. Shift through each gear position and test driving the WRX to ensure proper operation.

And that's it - only a few minutes to upgrade the look and feel inside your 2022 WRX!

Maintenance Tips for Aftermarket Shift Knobs

To keep your new 2022 WRX shift knob looking great and operating smoothly, follow these simple periodic maintenance tips:

• Check and re-tighten if needed every 1,000 miles - vibration can loosen over time.
• Clean with interior car cleaner and microfiber cloth to keep looking new.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners that can damage coating and materials.
• Inspect shift boot to ensure no debris getting on threads causing wear.
• Replace striped or worn shift knob bolts.

Properly caring for and maintaining an upgraded shift knob keeps it enhancing your driving experience for years to come!

FAQs

What are the benefits of an aftermarket shift knob?

Aftermarket shift knobs can improve styling, grip, dampen vibrations, reduce throws between gears, and provide a more premium shifting feel over the factory knob.

Will an aftermarket shift knob void my warranty?

Changing just the shift knob will not typically impact the warranty since no significant modifications are being made to the vehicle. But check with your dealer to be 100% certain.

How difficult is it to install a new shift knob?

Putting on a new shift knob is very easy and can be completed with simple hand tools in under 10 minutes in most cases. Just twist off the old knob and thread on the new one.

How often should I check and service an aftermarket shift knob?

It's a good idea to check tightness and clean your custom shift knob every 1,000 miles of driving. Also inspect it periodically for signs of wear or loose bolts that may need to be replaced.