[s-cars] Where to get Power Antenna

[Fred Munro]

The power antenna mast can be replaced from outside the car without removing
the motor unit. It is easier with a helper, but you can do it yourself if
you are quick enough.

Extend the antenna. Unscrew the bushing at the base of the antenna ( use an
open end wrench on the bushing flats. If the bushing is seized in place,
you'll probably have to remove the motor unit to get it off). Retract the
antenna mast and extend it again before it fully retracts into the now loose
bushing. Grab the mast, pulling it up. It will come out of the motor unit,
along with the flexible toothed white plastic drive rod. The motor runs
until it times out or stalls, so it will run for a bit after you pull the
antenna out. Note which way the teeth on the plastic drive rod face (front
or rear of car, can't remember).

To install the new one, straighten the coil out of the toothed flex drive
rod so the bottom foot or so is straight. Slide the bushing on the new mast.
Turn off the radio to start the motor cog turning to retract the antenna.
With the teeth facing in the right direction, push the drive rod down into
the power head until the teeth grab the cog wheel. Guide the mast into the
power head. The motor will probably time out before the antenna is fully
retracted. Screw in the bushing and extend and retract the antenna again. It
should fully extend and fully retract.

It is a good idea to heavily lube the inside of the new mast before
installing it. I use Corrosion Free Formula 3000, a creeping rustproofing
lube/undercoat.

I hate these antennas. I have to carry around an oily rag and wipe down the
antenna before I retract it. If I don't the whole thing jams up within a
couple months. I'm on my third replacement mast and it already has the
chrome worn off and the brass showing through on one section. Too bad no one
makes a replacement in stainless steel.

Fred Munro
'94 S4


-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of Kevin Day
Sent: February 14, 2005 5:03 PM
To: RM
Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Where to get Power Antenna


On Mon, Feb 14, 2005 at 04:56:00PM -0600, RM wrote:
> so you are saying that you can replace just the mast and not the whole
> creation? Hmmmmm..... how tough was it to do?

Not that tough.  I did mine the hard way, removing it from the car,
cleaning and re-lubing the gears, etc.  I figured after 10 years it was
probably time.  But it is reportedly possible to change the mast from
outside the car.  There were instructions to that effect that came with
the replacement mast.  I think you need a helper to turn the radio on
and off while you yank the old one out and rethread the new one.

Removing it from the car is a matter of pulling the trunk lining aside
and removing a screw or two and the coaxial connector.  Still not a big
deal.

If my experience is any guide, the weak point on these units is the
mast, not the internals, which look to be well designed and sturdy.

-Kevin

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