Hello to all,

I keep my antenna polished well to keep it working as smoothly as possible. NOW it doesn't appear to do that as much no matter how much it's cleaned/polished.:screwy: Do I need to buy another antenna motor? Or is it just the mast that's sticky inside?:uhoh:

If I need to replace the whole thing how much will it cost?:2cents: I have an 89' Camry LE.

rimfire,22

usually the shaft. I don't think polishing it would make much of a difference, doubt it ever helped to keep it smooth. The shafts don't get stuck because of surface finish or the like, its because they usually kink.
I'm not absolutely sure, but it seems (from my very quick search) your antenna and motor come as one piece. The whole thing can be found for ~$40. Or you can go to a junkyard and probably get it for under 10.

usually the shaft. I don't think polishing it would make much of a difference, doubt it ever helped to keep it smooth. The shafts don't get stuck because of surface finish or the like, its because they usually kink.
I'm not absolutely sure, but it seems (from my very quick search) your antenna and motor come as one piece. The whole thing can be found for ~$40. Or you can go to a junkyard and probably get it for under 10.


xfreejayx,

Thank you for your swift posting. This antenna is the original!!! It's never been replaced what so ever. If a new whole unit cost about $40 bucks then I can live with that. I'd better replace the whole unit (motor and antenna) before Toyota stops making them.

rimfire,22

I spent $40 for just the replacement mast for my 94 about 8-9 years ago. If you can get the whole assembly for $40 and you plan on keeping this car for a long period of time, I suggest you buy 2 so you will have 1 for a spare.

I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but if you are going to buy a new assembly, give this a try first. I have done it several times with good results. Turn the radio on so the mast extends out as far as it will go right now. Spray WD-40 liberally on a clean rag and wipe it up and down the length of the mast. Now turn the radio on and off several times to distribute the WD-40 evenly on the mast. If you have been using a polish on your mast, chances are some of the polish has been left on the joints of the mast and is causing the problem. Remember, the makers of WD-40 recommend it can be used as a cleaner to remove sticky things like tar. Give it a try.

Mike

I spent $40 for just the replacement mast for my 94 about 8-9 years ago. If you can get the whole assembly for $40 and you plan on keeping this car for a long period of time, I suggest you buy 2 so you will have 1 for a spare.

I know not everyone will agree with me on this, but if you are going to buy a new assembly, give this a try first. I have done it several times with good results. Turn the radio on so the mast extends out as far as it will go right now. Spray WD-40 liberally on a clean rag and wipe it up and down the length of the mast. Now turn the radio on and off several times to distribute the WD-40 evenly on the mast. If you have been using a polish on your mast, chances are some of the polish has been left on the joints of the mast and is causing the problem. Remember, the makers of WD-40 recommend it can be used as a cleaner to remove sticky things like tar. Give it a try.




Mike


Mike Gerber,

Thanks for your reply. Your suggestion is cheap enough for me to give it a try. If it doesn't work out then I lose nothing. With any hope it'll get free'd up because all the oil will do is attract more dirt/grime.

rimfire,22:grinyes:

Replace the plastic drive that raises and lowers it. Easy job to do. You will have to go in from the trunk, it will take 2 people, one to feed the mast and one to turn on the radio.

Replace the plastic drive that raises and lowers it. Easy job to do. You will have to go in from the trunk, it will take 2 people, one to feed the mast and one to turn on the radio.


gator2764,

How much is that plastic drive? Can you give instructions on how to replace this drive?

rimfire,22