Extracting aerial mast on 1996 4.0L?

[SteveB]

I have the classic stuck aerial problem, with the aerial only extending half-way and sometimes not fully retracting - although it will retract fully with some "help" but I know I can only do this so many times...

Anyway, searched the forum and bought a new mast - but I cannot extract the old mast by the recommended method of undoing the ball nut and powering up the aerial so it winds out. Looking at the new mast, there are 2 small sprung tabs on a sliding outer sleeve that will allow the new mast to be inserted, but will act to stop it being pulled out again - if these are on the old mast, how do I get the old mast out?

All suggestions welcome!

Thanks

Steve

[dhdove]

SteveB

Sorry can't offer any help, rather sympathy.

I had exactly the same problem on my 95 4.0 Coupe. I've fitted a few masts on earlier cars with no problems, came to replace that one and the mast would not come out of the body!

In the end I gave up and gave it lashings of lube to keep it going. No idea why it wouldn't come out "as per".

I still have the new mast in it's packaging if anyone is interested!

Best
TonyS

[PaulGover]

As far as I remember, you just have to pull a bit harder while the motor tries to push the mast out. You must have completely undone the nut at the top. The small sprung tabs are to provide decent electical contact, but I don't remember any mechanical locking. It may be worth soaking the top of the mast assembly in WD-40. Take care though, I might be forgetting something.

By the way, it's worth getting the proper aerial lubrication wipes - using anything oily is doomed, as it makes the minute rubber seals between the shaft sections swell. WD-40 appears to work, though in theory it should suffer the same problem as it's petrochemical-based.

I took my 1991 XJS's aerial apart when it died. Inside, a lot of dirt that must have been washed down the shaft in 20 years of rain, and a badly corroded aluminium tube that contains the shaft when retracted. I was able to replace the latter with some brass tube from the local toy/model/craft shop. It all cleaned up a treat and works like new.

[dhdove]

Paul

I pulled as hard as I dared.

It did not want to come out. Retaining nut was removed.

Who knows

TonyS

[P.L]

Hi Steve,

I had a similar problem and needed to carefully remove a thin sleeve/tube which is around the mast just inside the housing. I did not take a picture of mine but think to remember seeing the sleeve with the retaining nut off. Good luck.

Best regards,
Peter

[oz5986]

Hi, As long as the top nut is removed, send the mast down, then back up again. Usually best to control it from in the boot by disconnecting the radio switched feed wire, otherwise your rushing from the boot to the car. lol. As soon as the mast starts to go up you just help it up and out. The thin sleeve doesnt grip very hard at all but you need a full cycle from the motor to get the mast to come right out.

[SteveB]

Thnaks guys - travelling with work at the moment, but will have another go when I get back home. I suspect I may have an Aluminium corrosion issue that Paul mentioned - white deposits in aerial box and at base.

Cheers

Steve

[Max]

A bit of an old thread, but a common problem. I've just sorted mine, and thought I'd pass on the knowledge I've gained. My aerial didn't go up or down automatically, although I could hear the motor working; I could extend or retract it by hand, though. I bought a new, correct, mast, undid the retaining nut, and tried to pull the old mast out. No joy...

I pulled harder. Then much harder. Still no joy. I yanked, jerked, heaved and twisted the old mast, to no avail, so I removed the whole unit, applied WD40 to the holding tube/little insert thing, then tried again. This time, rather than brute force I pulled the mast with rapid, less violent snaps against whatever was jamming it in, and eventually it yielded a little, then came out. As described, it was purely corrosion that held it. Emery paper, WD40 and a rag dealt with that.

I took the motor unit apart and cleaned out all the muck, lubricated it and re-assembled it all back into the boot. Turned the radio on, threaded in the new nylon cable thing, turned the radio off and hey presto! down she went. Now works perfectly.

[dhdove]

Good work Max!
Clearly I should have been more persistent....

TonyS