Anyone fixed a power antenna before? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

TBayToyotaBoy · 03-02-2006, 03:10 PM

So some booze-swilling caveman ripped my antenna off, right in front of my house. I managed to find a replacement--with a working antenna motor!--and it kinda works...but:

The motor is working just fine, I can hear it and the antenna moves a little bit in both directions. It's slipping really badly, though. Should I dry it out, or lubricate the antenna itself? I can't tell if it's slipping because it's too stiff, or too wet. I know the scrap yard car has been sitting for around 18 months, so there's probably moisture in there...

Any thoughts? I don't want this one ripped-off too, or I'll start randomly killing all life.

Cyorke · 03-02-2006, 05:00 PM

well the assembly is going to get moisture in it regardless. There is actually a drain tube on the bottom of the motor so it can drain out.

Is the motor out of the car now or is it in the car. If it is in the car then I am assuming you know how to take it back out if you ahve to. Well youdont have to remove it but you will need to remove the retainer nut on the outside fender. Remove that nut and then turn the radio on. When yo turn the radio on it will allow the mast to come out of the motor. When you get it out it will look like a zipcord from your old toy cars and all. Check to make sure the teeth on it are in good condition. IF they are then you may want to take the motor apart and try lubing it. If the teeth are worn then it will not raise and lower. If it doesnt come out all teh way when you turn the radio on you can pull on it a little jsu tdont get to aggressive with it.

Dave's · 03-02-2006, 05:08 PM

The one's I'm familiar with have a plastic rod attached with teeth on one side. Sounds like some of yours may be stripped. If memory serves you can pull the old one out as it's going up. Then insert a new mast (about $20) and run it down to wind it in. When you pull the old one tho you need to be sure it's not broken off. If so you probably have to disassemble the housing to remove the piece. If you have the unit you removed try taking it apart so you know what to do.

TBayToyotaBoy · 03-02-2006, 07:33 PM

Good advice, thanks guys. I'll try pulling the assy back off the car and checking the teeth. If they're FUBAR, I'll just leave the mast in the "up" position and unplug the motor harnes...

I appreciate the info, never stop lurnin'!

Cyorke · 03-02-2006, 07:43 PM

Like Dave said if it is the teeth on teh mast cord you can get a new one for probably 20 bucks online. And it is very easy to replace as long as the cord did not break inside the assembly.

Hajoca · 03-02-2006, 08:16 PM

What year camry is it?

I would try and locate a CE, or one without the motorized antenna if you were to leave it up, and use the S2000 conversion antenna, or a whip antenna (solid wire) and that one is much stronger then the sectional collapsealbe antenna.

ptsmith · 03-03-2006, 07:13 AM

yea, my motor, presumably, stopped working a while back...but, the other day, i just ripped it all out, pulled the antenna up, and put it back together...works fine now, stays up all the time, and it's gonna stay that way....i actually like picking up more than one station.

TBayToyotaBoy · 03-03-2006, 11:16 AM

Heh heh, I could try finding a whip antenna, but here's my problem:

I have worked in call centre management for many years, and there are between 75 and 100 people in this town whom I've fired. I'm sure the last antenna was ripped-off the car by a former employee, because they horked (spat) on the car as well. I'd rather have the motor working to retract the antenna!

Gonna take a peek at it this weekend...wish me luck.