Hello everyone! For the past 3 weeks or so, almost every time my antenna tracts upward or retracts downward, I hear a grinding noise when it's all the way up or down. About a week ago, I applied the specialty antenna wipes and grease which did help but the problem didn't go away. I suspect it has to do with the motor; either it needs cleaning or something is jammed. Whenever the antenna is fully up I notice that an inch or so of the antenna seems to get stuck and won't fully go up.

Any suggestions? If so, how would I go about removing the trunk lining so I can get to the motor?

Thanks!

- Pilotman

 

The teeth on your antenna is worn out. The motor is pretty hardy. You need to replace the antenna with a new one.

Just undo the chrome nut to the antenna, turn on the radio until the entire antenna pops out, put in the new antenna feeding in the antenna with the teeth in the same orientation as the old one, shut off the radio, let it retract and reinstall the chrome nut. A 3 minute job. No need to even open the trunk. Get the replacement antenna here:

 

Thank you XJR Pilot! I do have one question; is the chrome nut easy to take off? I've heard of people having issues when trying to do the same process. Thanks again!

- Pilotman

 

Unscrew with an adjustable wrench. It will slowly come out of the rubber bushing. Very easy!

 

Put masking tape on the surrounding bodywork just in case the wrench slips. The contact area on the chrome nut is very shallow.

Graham

 

I just did this, a 14mm wrench will take the chrome nut off if my memory is correct. There is a white plastic chord the runs the length of the antenna mast. When you take out the old one, double check and make sure the one you take out is the same length as the one you are putting in. On mine, part of the plastic chord broke off inside the motor. If that happens you need to open up the motor and remove the broken piece, otherwise the antenna will not retract all the way. It is really easy to do.

check out this youtube video for help.