85 280SL (Euro) power antenna

[desert]

My power antenna on my 85 280SL (Euro) just went out. It looks simple to replace but are there any tricks I should know about before I get one? Would also appreciate advise concerning which one to get and where to get it. Thanks, Desert

[rowdie]

I replaced mine with a similar looking unit from somewhere like ebay or amazon. Less than 50 bucks and it worked but had to adapt the cable because the old one had a male center wire connection and the new antenna needed a female inner wire in the cable. Works. Cheap and don't know how long it will work.

[carnut]

90% of the time just the mast is faulty. You simply unscrew the nut at the base of the mast and have a friend turn on the radio, while you grab the mast and it pulls out of the motor. Verify whether the nylon cord at the end of the mast is serrated or smooth. Buy a replacement mast with the same type nylon cord. Stick the cord in the hole of the motor and have someone turn off the raio. As the radio turns off, the motor will pull in the mast. Tighten nut, have a beer. Very rarely a piece of this nylon will break within the ant. motor keeping the mast from going down fully. In that case the motor comes apart to pull out this piece. If you are not mechanically inclined, buy a rebuilt HIRCHMANN brand antenna and exchange it.

[popscat]

dont they make a replacement belt for the antenna if the motor runs you may have a belt broken inside they are very easly replaced

[desert]

Thanks for all the input, I'll try repair myself....Desert

[carnut]

this "belt" is the nylon cord attached to the mast. Yes they make replacement masts