This fixes power antenna problems, such as grinding, won’t go up or down all the way. For a damaged antenna, follow step 1 for removal.
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Get the antenna out. Peel back the plastic in the trunk around where the antenna is. The antenna is held to the car by 2 nuts, the power plug, antenna plug, drain tube, and the silver collar outside the fender. All must be undone.
To undo the silver collar, wrap it in a cloth and grip / twist it with big pliers. -
With successful wiggling you should be able to get the antenna out. Open the white cover to reveal what is in the picture below.
The culprit is the one black gear, nestled under the thin metal plate. Undo the 2 screws and remove all the gears. -
As can be seen below, the black gear is totally clogged. Clean these gear teeth with a toothpick.
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Another culprit is the metal shaft the nylon belt rides on. Since it is stationary it wears and no longer holds the belt to the black gear. Remove it as shown below.
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Soak this shaft in WD-40 to remove rust. Install it back in the same spot but with a fresh side facing the belt. Grab a glob of grease from the gears and pack that shaft with grease; this helps prevent more moisture from reaching it as well as keeping the shaft lubricated.
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Reinstall everything in the reverse order. Upon the first start of the radio the assembly will whirr as it centers itself, then should operate as if new!