major antenna problem - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Biglex · #1 02-21-2007, 01:56 AM

Ok, so the previous owner of my 92 300d replaced the power antenna with a solid non-retracting antenna. I am trying to install the Hirschmann in it, but am having major problems mounting it in, and getting it to fit in the hole in the quarter panel. Anyone have any history with replacing the entire unit, rather than just the mast? Cant find any DIY articles on it. Right now, I just have a nice hole in the side of my car.

Jeremy5848 · #2 02-21-2007, 02:18 AM

I just repaired the antenna on my wife's '87, which should be similar to yours. Because I didn't know what the problem was (the antenna would extend only one "segment" before stopping), I removed the entire assembly so I could take it apart. Also, the rubber seals were damaged/missing so they had to be replaced.

After I took the assembly apart, I figured out that the problem was a jammed mast, so I replaced the mast with a new one. Once the antenna was working properly, I put the thing back in the car, which is where you are now. I replaced both the "lower" and "upper" rubber seal pieces.

First, I pushed the "lower" piece through the body of the car, pushing the seal from the outside towards the inside (sounds backwards) until the sheet metal of the body fit into the groove in the rubber seal. Next, I pressed the top part of the seal onto the lower part until the top popped into place on the bottom.

The antenna cable screws onto its socket and the power wire plugs into a socket on the antenna. Connect those before putting the antenna in place as it's much easier to get at them first. You can also test the antenna before installing it. Connect the braided ground wire to the car body with a clip lead and have someone hold the antenna so the mast doesn't get stuck on something as it extends. I hope your wiring has survived intact!

Then I carefully inserted the antenna into the rubber seal (from the inside of the trunk) and slowly pushed it through, rotating it back and forth to help it go through without popping the seal out of the sheet metal. You might want to put a little soap-and-water or Armor-All on the rubber to help the mast slip through smoothly -- I didn't have to do that.

The mast is far enough through when the bracket (has a captive nut) on the bottom of the antenna assembly lines up with the hole in the inside of the body. A screw holds the bracket to the body. That's the only thing that holds the antenna to the car -- that and friction. The antenna is at a 20 or 30 degree angle leaning back -- it's not straight up and down.

There is another captive nut up near the top of the antenna, which is for the braided ground wire. Attach the ground wire to the captive nut with a screw.

That's all there is to it. I apologize for failing to take pictures.

Jeremy

justinperkins · #3 02-21-2007, 02:36 AM

Not sure how different the 92 is from the 87, but I can vouch for the fact that it is quite a bear to push it through the hole in the body. It's an extremely tight fit to say the least.

You put your rubber grommet on from the outside, then from the inside you push like crazy to get the antenna ball through hole.

I took a few pics of the inside of this antenna a few months ago, but nothing on installing the antenna.

Biglex · #4 02-21-2007, 07:57 AM

yeah, here are some pics of my current mess. This isnt looking too promising.

babymog · #5 02-21-2007, 01:56 PM

I can't tell for sure what I'm looking at from the inside, but it looks like somebody just tore open the hole to put in a generic antenna, might not be reversable.

Biglex · #6 02-21-2007, 04:13 PM

check this out. The housing for the actual antenna is pointing UP, running along what looks to be a drain hose from the roof. This is a side view obviously.

justinperkins · #7 02-21-2007, 04:31 PM

I can't tell what that is.

Biglex · #8 02-21-2007, 04:50 PM

It is the aluminum tube that the antenna goes down in when it retracts. It is pointing at about a 45 degree angle towards the driver. In the pic, it is the lower one, the other is what looks to be some kind of drain hose.

justinperkins · #9 02-21-2007, 11:49 PM

Is the original antenna wiring harness intact (5-pin connector)? Has the hole in the body been altered for your current antenna? Original antenna wire (coax-style) intact?

If the answer is yes to all those questions, then you should be able to get the OEM Hirschmann installed and functioning.

Biglex · #10 02-22-2007, 01:26 AM

The original harness IS intact, and it doesnt seem like the hole in the body has been altered. I am ordering the fitting from the shop page tonight since it didnt come with the correct one. Dont know which #'s the red and white wires go into on the 5 pin harness do ya?

justinperkins · #11 02-22-2007, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biglex

The original harness IS intact, and it doesnt seem like the hole in the body has been altered. I am ordering the fitting from the shop page tonight since it didnt come with the correct one. Dont know which #'s the red and white wires go into on the 5 pin harness do ya?

Certainly do, I wrote this post on it about two months ago...
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=174153&highlight=hirschmann