Broken antenna mast on '97 4Runner.....

[rbellrbell]

Will I need to replace the entire assembly (mast, motor, et al) or may the mast alone replaced? Though the mast is obviously missing, I can hear the antenna motor running (retracting) whenever I turn off the ignition. And if it may be repaired by replacing only the mast, how hard is this task on a scale of 1 -10? Thanks in advance.

[jetwhine]

rvbellrbell,

I believe you will have to replace the intire assybly. It is not that hard to replace the atenna but hooking up the cable could be a little bit of a chore. The atenna is located under the plastic wheel well shroud.

[kball]

Actually you can replace just the mast and it's pretty easy but... if too much of the teeth are broken off inside the motor you will have to take it apart to clean it out. Here's a link to another forum thread and in post #12 there's directions on how to get the mast out.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...r-antenna.html

Or you could always do the Tacoma whip mod and never mess with the power antenna again.

http://www.4runners.org/writeups/whip/index.html

[rbellrbell]

though i can hear the antenna motor 'retracting' when I turn off the ignition, but unable to 'grab' the nylon cord, i think I'll first try to disassemble the the antenna drive motor and remove the broken parts. Then try the mast. Still unclear about how to get the motor - is there a door under the front/passenger side wheel well? If so, what holds it in place?

[Sully720]

http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...Antenna-Repair

[jetwhine]

rbellrbell,

Well now for all the time you have spent with this projuct you could have just bought an assy and installed it and be done with it. Some times the money saved is not saved in the long run.