My antenna won't go all the way down or up. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MD2B · #1 07-07-2003, 12:14 AM

Every 2-3 weeks I must clean my radio antenna with a rag and WD-40 so that it will go all the way down and up. It works fine after I do this, but it doesn't last but only a few weeks. I think there is alot of crud down inside the mechanism because after I clean it, it gets dirty immediately after it goes back down. I'm sure this is a common problem. Any tips on how to permanently address this problem?

bobw · #2 07-07-2003, 03:42 AM

I had this problem on my newly acquired 380SL. What I did was to clean and lubricate the aerial with WD-40, retract it, extend it, then clean it again. I repeated this cycle until the aerial came up clean. I then gave it a wipe with a dry cloth and finally wiped it with silicone lube sprayed on a cloth. WD-40 seems to attract more crud than does silicone. It was tedious, but it worked.

--
bobw
1983 380SL
1991 BMW 735iSE

MD2B · #3 07-07-2003, 04:20 AM

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give the silicone lube a try. Anyone else have different suggestions?

PaulG · #4 07-07-2003, 05:05 AM

MD2B,

To clean it properly, you really have to take it off.

Just unbolt it and switch the stereo on. When the nylon cord gets to the end of its travel, give it a tug and it will detach.

It's then a case of immersing it in a bath of de-greaser or detergent, and working it in and out until no more crap comes out.

After it's dry, it's worth using some "dry" lubricant that uses PTFE particles, these last much longer than WD-40 and don't attract the dirt.

If you value your time more than your wallet, a new section is about 20 quid from the Stealer.

cbdo · #5 07-07-2003, 09:46 PM

Replacing the mast is cheap enough that fiddling with a sticky one is unnecessary, and easy enough that I was able to do it in about a half-hour the first time.

MD2B · #6 07-08-2003, 04:04 AM

Is the mast the part that goes up and down? Where is the best place to get a new one. How much are they?

PaulG · #7 07-08-2003, 04:06 AM

MD2B,

I've cleverly hidden that information in my posting...

MD2B · #8 07-08-2003, 04:11 AM

Paul,
What is a quid?

PaulG · #9 07-08-2003, 04:14 AM

MD2B,

The last time I looked it was $1.56.

As you guys seem to pay so much less for everything, I guess the mast willl be about $25............

MD2B · #10 07-08-2003, 04:16 AM

I understand that one pound is approximately $1.56, but what does QUID stand for?

PaulG · #11 07-08-2003, 04:24 AM

This looks like it's set to run and run......

A quid is a pound, (also a sov and a knicker, I'm sure there's more)

Do you still call dollars bucks? It's similar.

You'll be pleased to know that MY antenna (or should it be ariel?) started sticking this morning...........

MD2B · #12 07-08-2003, 04:33 AM

haha. Well, at least maybe I'll lose my Junior status before long. Yea, we still call them "bucks" or "Benjamins". I had just never heard the term quid before. Good luck with your antenna.

jjrodger · #13 03-06-2006, 10:26 AM

I've just paid 75quid for a new aerial telescope or mast from the dealer. How do you unbolt it? (If that is not a stupid question.)

LeaUK · #14 03-10-2006, 06:05 PM

75 quid!

Mine cost 25... from my dealer ;-) and came with full instructions on the packaging rear. I seem to remember that you unscrew the plastic base cover and switch your radio on to extend. The aerial doesn't extend as it's now free from the car body but is simply pushed out.

To fit the new, just reverse the process.

Lea

hoddo · #15 03-14-2006, 05:46 PM

If cleaning and or replacing the mast still fails to fix the prob you could try cutting a few thin slices from a pushbike inner tube (28'' roadbike style .. to make rubber bands about 3-4 mm wide) remove the mast and then the box from the car (easy) open it up and slip the rubber bands over the drive wheel. I did this about a month ago on my 79 slc and it fixed the prob.