sticky antenna
 

my antenna on my 95 is sticking. What sort of cleaner and lube is recommended for curing that, please?

aftermarket antenna

5 Hirschmann Am FM Car Truck Power Antenna Mast Cleaning Lube Pads Wipes New | eBay

Mercedes Hirschmann Power Antenna Mast Required Service by Kent Bergsma - YouTube

This video is hilarious as well. Luckily goes to Youtube as we don't like posting most stuff from this mechanic.

I think, it's best to just replace the mast. It's a 10 min. or less task, and you are over the issue. It's hard on the unit when it doesn't work smoothly.

Give me your address and I will send you one of the cleaning pads for free.

[email protected]

Bill Whitmore

Tom-
I see recent threads of yours regarding sticky antennas and sticky door locks. Is there something going on in Indiana that you need to get off your chest? We are all friends here, so you can share with us.

(Sorry for the silly post)

Answer
 

Here is the three step procedure I use.
* Rubbing alcohol.
* A dilute ammonia solution, think windex.
* Transmission fluid or sewing machine oil.

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Cool! I have all that.;)

Antenna Lubrication
 

Interesting ~ ATF .

The lubrication pads are silicone , is it O.K. to wet a clean pad with aerosol silicone and wipe the extended mast with that ? .

I recently removed my mast and cleaned it well , it easily goes up and down by hand but sticks a bit.....

TIA ,

That's what I use- 3M Aerosol silicone spray. I read that the Hischmann antenna wipes use silicone. I clean the shaft first with brake parts cleaner sprayed on a paper towel. Works well for me. Prior owner had antenna shaft replaced six times. I've had the car 11 years, haven't needed to replace it yet.

Many people recommend bike chain lube by White Lightening. It stays on the shaft very well. Available for cheap at Walmart. If the antenna is bent, replace the antenna. I got an URO antenna off of Amazon for about $15 ($90 for the Hirschmann) and the quality is excellent. Only URO part I would put on a car.

Routine Antenna Service
 

THANK YOU ALL ! I replaced the old rusted antenna 20 years ago when first I bought the car , a Hirschmann one , I've been lax about keeping it clean so now the bottom segment has marks on the chrome .

I cleaned it well with the Isopropyl Alcohol , that took several passes before the white towel came off 100 % clean , then I lubed it with some fresh ATF and so far so good .

As always , I appreciate the help I get here ! .

Getting ready to ' pull the pin ' and SWMBO like me , loves to travel by auto so I'm tinkering on it like mad ~ I recently replaced the plastic 17 gallon fuel tank with a steel 21 gallon one from a junked (sadly as it was pristine) '84 300CD and got almost 500 miles out of one tank full , a *very* nice thing indeed .

Some cleaned and pop tested junkyard fuel injectors make the smoking stop , in town fuel economy zoomed up to 27 MPG's in spite of a totally worn out engine , I think it's time to dive in and overhaul the engine (200 # in # 1 cylinder @ 367,000 miles) and a major rebuild on the tranny too then maybe re paint it .

Anyone want the prefect plastic fuel tank before I bin it ? I hate to toss out anything useful , it's in Los Angeles .