Retracting Antenna Stuck! Any ideas to get it moving smoothly?

[96Avalon_Matt]

Hi,

The retracting antenna on my 96 Avy is not retracting all the way. Gets stuck about 4 inches from the bottom. I tried WD40, but it seems to 'wash' off when it rains if the antenna is up.

Does anyone know another grease/lubrication product that is water-proof? (I did a quick search, couldn't find any threads re: this)

Thanks in advance,

Matt

[swiftjustice]

Are you sure its a lubrication problem, and not a problem with the plastic teeth on the mast itself being worn or broken and not being pulled down all the way by the motor?

I've not had a problem with my '95 Avy yet, but my '93 Camry has had problems and the power antenna are virtually identical. On the Camry the plastic track on the mast broke, so that it would not retract all the way. Had to take the housing apart to get out the broken piece. I bought a replacement mast on e-bay, but the teeth wore out in one year and it would not push it up all the way, and the motor would keep running.

I've since bought a better quality OEM mast and plan to replace it soon.

To my knowledge neither one has ever had the antenna mast lubed other than the heavy grease that came on them at the factory - if it really appears to be a lubrication issue I'm not sure what type the factory uses (the interior of the housing is packed with a thick mustard colored grease) but try wiping some Lubriplate or other moly grease that is used for engine assembly - its generally very "sticky", more so than the standard white lithium grease that is common. WD-40 is not the best stuff at all for the application you are trying to use it for.

[96Avalon_Matt]

It has fully retracted in the past, and whenever i apply WD40 to it, it will fully retract for a few days, so I think the antenna assembly itself is ok.

I was pretty sure this was not the right use for WD40, but it was all I had around. I will check out Canadian Tire tonight for Lubriplate or similar grease, thanks!

Matt

Nice Mini Cooper by the way...

[swiftjustice]

Good deal. This post made me decide to get off my lazy hindquarters and replace the mast in the camry. Below is the lube I used. I spread just a very thin film on the whole antenna, but then but a liberal amount around each antenna "joint" section and worked it around with my fingers, then cycled the radio on and off a few times to check it.

If you have any old grease on there you might want to put some brake cleaner or carb cleaner on a rag and clean it off first.
Here is the stuff that I used: