Electric Antenna is Toast

[rimfire,22]

Hello to all,

Earlier I reported that my 89' Camry antenna was having a hard time retracting and extending when my radio was turned off and on. It's my original from the very beginning and for some reason now the motor sound like it's weak. For years I've always polished the mast to keep the metal smooth but not it appears it doesn't help anymore. I guess the old guys finally done in.

Can anyone tell me how much I'll pay for an entire unit plus installation? Will it take long to install if the dealership handles the job?

Thank you for your imput.

rimfire,22

[popeye08]

One suggestion: just unplug the motor power cord just like I did, it won't bother you any more.

Originally Posted by rimfire,22

Hello to all,

Earlier I reported that my 89' Camry antenna was having a hard time retracting and extending when my radio was turned off and on. It's my original from the very beginning and for some reason now the motor sound like it's weak. For years I've always polished the mast to keep the metal smooth but not it appears it doesn't help anymore. I guess the old guys finally done in.

Can anyone tell me how much I'll pay for an entire unit plus installation? Will it take long to install if the dealership handles the job?

Thank you for your imput.

rimfire,22

[Brian R.]

Another option is installing a Honda S2000 antenna as described in the FAQ thread. It is a short antenna that doesn't retract and is quite attractive.

[csaxon]

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=65507

[Brian R.]

Yes, that is the procedure referenced in the FAQ thread.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Yes, that is the procedure referenced in the FAQ thread.

Brian,

Interesting reading. let me read this first before I decide if it's worth trying for myself. I appreciate all your imput.

rimfire,22

[ice745]

Taking the unit off yourself shouldn't be too difficult a task. I would do a visual inspection of the gears and such inside the unit, and relube if needed. The mast has a flexible rack that is attached to the tip of the mast; the rack is pulled in by a gear and is wound around. The constant winding and unwinding, and general aging makes the rack less flexible. Sometimes this can account for "weak motor" sounds, as the motor strains to pull it down and wind it. Also the metal of each section of antenna can cause friction if the antenna is !slightly! bent from normal use. If the motor is still good, the genuine toyota mast (which includes the rack) is $50 last I checked. I'm not sure how much the motors go for. If you can get it apart yourself and remove the mast, and just reattach the motor; then turn on the radio, the motor should try for a certain amount of time to raise the antenna. It will try until too much resistance is felt, or a pre-programmed time expires. If the motor is "dead" with the mast still on, it doesn't tell you anything, because if the mast is just stuck, the motor will think it's already up and not try. Generally you may hear some sound of it trying for a bit then quit, but it may be possible to not hear it at all. If the motor tries without the mast on, chances are just replacing the mast will work fine. Make sure you put petroleum jelly or a gear lube with similar consitancy on the gears when you get it all back together. Thin gear lube, like trans fluid, will just run off.

If you are not willing to do this, or the suggestions in the post above, yourself. I would expect to pay at least $150-200, possibly more, for dealership to do it with genuine parts... just a rough estimate. If you are willing to try, I can probably help you through it, so if you need the help PM me.

[Brian R.]

Good description Russ!

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by ice745

Taking the unit off yourself shouldn't be too difficult a task. I would do a visual inspection of the gears and such inside the unit, and relube if needed. The mast has a flexible rack that is attached to the tip of the mast; the rack is pulled in by a gear and is wound around. The constant winding and unwinding, and general aging makes the rack less flexible. Sometimes this can account for "weak motor" sounds, as the motor strains to pull it down and wind it. Also the metal of each section of antenna can cause friction if the antenna is !slightly! bent from normal use. If the motor is still good, the genuine toyota mast (which includes the rack) is $50 last I checked. I'm not sure how much the motors go for. If you can get it apart yourself and remove the mast, and just reattach the motor; then turn on the radio, the motor should try for a certain amount of time to raise the antenna. It will try until too much resistance is felt, or a pre-programmed time expires. If the motor is "dead" with the mast still on, it doesn't tell you anything, because if the mast is just stuck, the motor will think it's already up and not try. Generally you may hear some sound of it trying for a bit then quit, but it may be possible to not hear it at all. If the motor tries without the mast on, chances are just replacing the mast will work fine. Make sure you put petroleum jelly or a gear lube with similar consitancy on the gears when you get it all back together. Thin gear lube, like trans fluid, will just run off.

If you are not willing to do this, or the suggestions in the post above, yourself. I would expect to pay at least $150-200, possibly more, for dealership to do it with genuine parts... just a rough estimate. If you are willing to try, I can probably help you through it, so if you need the help PM me.

ice745,

Thank you for your detailed report. For myself I'm not very mechanically inclined so when I get a chance I might just pay the big bucks and get it repaired by the dealership. I want to keep it as original as possible. My 89' wouldn't look nice using a rubber duckie style antenna. Still every bodies replies are appreciated.

rimfire,22