Hi everyone, I have an annoying issue with my Skoda Scala (manual gearbox).

Whenever I move the gear lever to the left (towards 1st or reverse), there’s a terrible squeaking noise, like something is rubbing or creaking under the plastic trim. The dealership already lubricated it once, about six months ago, and that solved it temporarily - but the noise is back again. So I’d really like to fix it myself this time.

If I understood correctly, I should be able to detach the plastic trim plate around the gear lever, but I can’t figure out how to do it without breaking anything. I looked for videos online, but couldn’t find anything clear specifically for the Scala.

Does anyone know how to lift or unclip that trim safely? Do I need any special tools, or just careful leverage in the right spot?

I’m attaching a video of the squeak and a photo of the area, so maybe someone can mark exactly where I should work or apply lubricant.

Thanks a lot in advance for your help.

Edited 26 October, 202526 Oct by cloudres

You seem to have posted this question before and had an answer?

Creaking gear lever. How do I open it? - Škoda Scala - BRISKODA

@Aldfort you’re right, but to be honest, I’d completely forgotten about it, as I never actually found the video I’d been told to look for. Unfortunately, there’s nothing specific to my car on YouTube. That’s why I’m looking for something else now. If a moderator happens to read this, they can go ahead and delete that old post—it’s a bit outdated, let’s say. This one is more complete; I’ve even uploaded a video to go with it.

...and there are many videos on YouTube showing how to do this on VAG group cars.

If you lack confidence then take the car to the dealer. Else it's just a case of prying the clips around the gaiter off. Best you use a special trim tool to do this.

32 minutes ago, Aldfort said:

If you lack confidence then take the car to the dealer. Else it's just a case of prying the clips around the gaiter off. Best you use a special trim tool to do this.

I have some plastic trim removal tools that I usually use for opening PCs and electronic devices, and I was thinking of using them for this.

The problem is, I don’t know exactly where to insert them, and as I mentioned, I really want to avoid breaking anything in such an important part of the car.

I understand you might suggest that I look for videos on YouTube again, but as I already said, there’s nothing specific for the Skoda Scala. That part is different on every car.

Sorry if I sound a bit clumsy — maybe you could just reassure me about what to do. I really don’t feel like going back to the dealership to let them charge me €100 for this nonsense…

You have to take out the gaiter around the gearstick, same as on other VAG cars.