Hi there-

I haven't seen any posts about keeping the power antenna working. Mine works but "sticks" a little and make a grinding noise when it retracts (it's been wiped down, but just with a soft cloth). I have seen information saying to use certain products (ATF, Silicone spray and WD40) and others saying not to use them because those products attract and hold dirt.

Is there any particular product that members use on our particular cars?

 

Spray it with WD40 work it around the antenna operate the antenna and wipe it dry then do it again for 3 to 4 times. If your antenna is not broken internally this process will help in making it operate smoothly and consistently. Keeping it clean and dry is what you want to do. WD40 stands for water-displacing and the 40 means it took 40 attempts to create. In your case you need to keep it clean from dirt and the spray will do the rest.

 

Thanks, I'll try it when I get home tonight.

 

I use a light coating of 3 in 1 oil every so often then wipe down. The antenna motor makes a bit of noise retracting but if it is more than that there might be a problem internally with the gears. Although I haven't taken the antenna apart on this car, I have on other makes and it isn't complicated, just takes a bit of time. If after taking apart the drum into which the plastic cable of the antenna winds, lubricating the gears with some very light grease, but the problem persists, a replacement might be needed. Many Internet sites advertise them.

Good luck.

 

When you wipe it, start from the base and wipe up to the top/tip. This pulls the dirt to your rag.

If you wipe from the tip down to the base you'll be pushing dirt the the inside of each mast section...not good!

 

Good Point!

 

I just replaced my antenna mast and it makes no noise what so ever going up and down. Mast replacement is easy and cheap.

 

Do not use WD40. It's a short term fix and it does attract dirt. WD40 is basically pressurized kerosine/diesel fuel and oil. There is a factory cleaning pad which is blend of denatured alchohol and a high grade silicone. Clean it with denatured alchohol on a lint free cloth wiping upwards. Then spray silicone on the cloth and wipe the antenea and then follow up with the alchohol again.

 

If you have a need to know go to this link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

 

I use white lithium grease.....even with constant exposure to the heat/sun here in Miami it lasts for about a year.....

 

Is this safe to apply on the antenna mast pad? mine is made of some sort of hard plastic and im not sure if i can use it there, or is it just for the metal parts?

 

AVOID WD-40 on any type of power retractable antenna! There are two reasons: 1) this fluid is designed to break free rusty bolts, not to be a long term lubricant (this is why it never seems to last on door hinges); and 2) WD-40 will eat away at the plastic gears inside your typical antenna assembly.

Instead try using a very light coating of Vaseline, which has the same effect as grease but is clear and will not show on the antenna shaft. The only exception to this would be in cold climates, where you should probably use a light oil or silicone instead. Lithium grease is also effective, but might leave a white haze.

 

Whatever is least likely to attract dirt is my choice....so I use aerosol silicone after cleaning with WD40.

I use WD40 by the bucketful for dozens of jobs...but never as a lubricant. It's really a mild solvent. Use it for cleaning and/or to free-up a sticky mechanisms then follow up with an actual lubricant.

Cheers
DD

 

Hello Doug... I remember you from the XJS Forum. Did you finally change horses (cars)?
Take Care, and enjoy the cool weather...
Fred

 

Sold my XJS and XJ6 about 3-4 years ago and bought an XJR to replace them...one car to fill both rolls.

I miss the old ones, though.

Cheers
DD

 

For many years I have been using ACF-50 to lubricate and protect pretty much any metal surface that needs it. I spray a bit on a cloth and wipe the aerial from bottom to top once a year and it works great. I only have to replace the mast when it gets bent from the wind. I started using ACF-50 as corrosion treatment for my Cessna years ago (professionally applied) and it's solved lots of household problems as well ever since. I live at the beach and this is the best protection against saltwater/air I've found. You can buy it online or from West Marine if you have one nearby. I had a padlock that had a corroded tumbler and after soaking it with ACF-50 for 30 minutes it opened right up and still works 10 years later.