This may cross the line between detailing and tech, but I thought I'd start here.

What's recommended care for the power antenna?

I just had a new one put in two months ago, and it is already sticking - last (bottom) section refuses to retract into car.

Last week it started, and upon further inspection I saw rings of black dirt at the spots where a lower section meets an upper section when retracted.

I cleaned all the dirt off with a wet paper towel and that fixed it for about two days.

I called my mechanic who suggested cleaning again, but this time with chrome cleaner (Flitz??). I don't have any right now, but am ordering up some Flitz for the rest of the car and will use it on the antenna if ya'll think it's wise.

He also said that Mercedes has some silicon cleaning pads specific to this purpose... are those worthwhile?

By a new benz, they have no atennas!, :)

just kidding, I went through 2 motors years ago, and the techs said to do exactly like you are doing, wipe that crud off the bottom of the att, so when you retract it, it doesnt bring in all that gunk into the motor area. This is a good hint especially if you live in the north, with all that sand and salt in the winter.

I do remember suggesting in another forum wd-40 or light machine oil, but someone answered back with a better answer, what do the pros' say?

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Chris Ecklund
98 300 DT

If Flitz doesn't help, try DuraLube (it must work)...
If it is time to change your antenna, I would suggest you to buy a tiny one, with no moving parts. I replaced mine 3 times and finally bought a very small one (4cm high), it works as well as the big one and the best off all is that when you go to a garage or underground, you don't have to shut off the radio even if you're listening to a CD...

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WEB Site : http://www.adamou.dpn.ch
A.S.C. 1999
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The antenna mast does need to be cleaned on a regular basis but I would not advise using oil or penetrating lube because it will tend to carry dirt into the motor as the antenna goes up and down. Hirschmann makes a special cleaning cloth for the antenna and it can be purchased at the MB dealer or any Hirschmann ditributor and they work very well and can be used several times.

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ASE Master Technician, Lead Technician for Deutsch American Inc. Over 6 years of Import experience-specializing in German Automobiles.

You can order the antenna tube wipes from your MB dealer. They come in a yellow plastic wrap. They are from Hirschmann. You slide the tube down the mast and it cleans and lubes it at the same time. Works very well. Otherwise, if you have access to some kind of lubricant such as Crest Cheetah Grease, then use that. I used it for a long time and it kept my antennae working very well. Hope this helps!


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'81 240D
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8

Aaron,

My local MB dealer tells me that they no longer stock the Hirschmann antenna tube wipes that you recommend. They suggested using spray silicone lube applied with a cloth to after cleaning the antenna mast.

Any comment on their recommendation. Also, any ideas on where the Hirschmann wipes can still be obtained?

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BrianM
bmhal100@erols.com

Brian,

I'd try calling Hirschmann directly. I don't have their number, but maybe someone on the site can give it to you.


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'79 6.9
'79 6.9
'80 300SD
'81 240D
'85 380SE
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8

This isn't Hirschman's number, but it is Becker of North Americas; according to their site, they handle Hirschman antennas.
toll free # 888-423-3537
They also have a list of authorized dealers, two of wich are in the San Diego area.

(beckerautosound.com)


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'83 300D-T

Since this topic rose to the top again, I'll share my final solution -- a can of WD40 (thanks Chris!) and a paper towel.

Wiped it with WD40, retracted it, and wiped it again... problem solved!

Wiping the antenna is now part of my monthly routine...