W126 Antenna question

[BENZ-LGB]

The antenna in my W126 has developed a strange quirk. While listening to AM stations the radio acts as if the antenna had a poor connection (low volume and static sound). Then if I go over a bump, the sound returns to normal (as if the connection was once again OK). The radio will do this if I step hard on the brakes (causing the car to lurch).

If I stop and i jiggle the antenna, someitmes the sound returns to normal. Thinking the obvious (a bad connection someplace, most likely in the antenna mount and/or the motor) I pulled out the antenna, cleaned the white track and put the antenna back in. Still smae problem. Then I took the antenna motor off, opened it up, cleaned it inside, regreased the track/gears. Still the same problem.

The FM section works well, regardless of what the AM is doing. The radio is a year-old Alpine headunit. I don't think that there is anything wrogn with the headunit itself, because when I "jiggle" the antenna, the AM sounds fine.

Before I go farther inside the trunk (or replace the entire motor) I'd like to hear suggestions on possible fixes or areas to look at.

Thank you for your help

[Q]

Did you check the ground connection to the antenna assembly? That is where my problem was. Get a good ground there for better AM reception.

[Cleeve]

Hi,
What does the mast look like? Is it pitted or rusty looking? If so, you may want to replace the antenna mast.

La Jolla Audio Repair

Cleeve Morrison

[BENZ-LGB]

The antenna looks new (and it is clean). No pitting, no rust, no bending (it slides in and out very easily). Also, I checked the ground connection and it looks good. This is a real sticky situation, since everything seems to work. I had the Alpine h/u installed about a year ago, and the car has worked fine, until now.

Still open to more suggestions.

thanks....