another antenna thread - please no flames

[bent77]

okay, i know this issue has been discussed but havent found the answer to my specific question.

below is a pic of my antenna. everytime i turn the car off/on it makes the noise like it is lowering it. this makes me think that the motor may be okay.

my question is, can i buy one of the replacements from the dealer, screw it into the threads and realistically expect there is a chance it will work? i dont care so much about it going up and down... just want to get a better radio reception. i know that you can replace with a tacoma whip ant but am hoping i dont have to go through all that trouble... it will be nice if i can screw this one in and roll out...

thanks!

 

[Idrv2yotas]

I believe u can buy a replacement antenna mast. Or replace the whole unit.

 

[TheDurk]

You can buy a Chinese replacement on FleaBay for like $12. It will give you about the same reception you had before. Whether it goes up and down is a crap shoot. If the old nylon push-pull strap is broke off in your antenna motor it needs to be dug out, which means pulling the motor.

I got a FleaBay antenna and it didn't work. Until I get up the energy to pull the motor, I just cut the nylon off the old one and cut the antenna motor wire at the HU. I can pull it up and down just like the first ten cars I owned and the reception is fine. Maybe next Spring I'll dig into it. If you don't have the old one, you could cut the nylon off the new one and have a manual antenna in 30 seconds of effort.

I see you are missing the cap nut. You would have to get one from a dealer if you don't have the old one.

 

[Hepar]

Whether it goes up and down is a crap shoot. If the old nylon push-pull strap is broke off in your antenna motor it needs to be dug out, which means pulling the motor.

X2. Looks like your whole mast is gone, so you might get lucky and just need to shove a new on in there. It really isn't too bad if you do have to clean out the antenna motor. It was one of the first thing I did when I bought mine.

 

[bent77]

thanks guys!
any tips on how to feed the nylon in there? do you just put it in the hole, turn off stereo and if it catches it catches and if not, then not?
Thanks again!

 

[habanero]

Lucky you, I just repaired my antenna and did a pictorial on it:
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 14 - YotaTech Forums post#332
When you get the mast out compare it to mine, see if you can tell if you've got the whole thing. If not you can open the motor up to remove the broken pieces, put it back together, have someone turn on the radio, wait until it's done making noise then put your new mast in and turn the radio off.


If you don't want to mess with it then take the fender liner off towards the back and top so you can reach the plug. Unplug it. No more antenna, no more noise.

 

[awdjunkies]

Lucky you, I just repaired my antenna and did a pictorial on it:
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 14 - YotaTech Forums
When you get the mast out compare it to mine, see if you can tell if you've got the whole thing. If not you can open the motor up to remove the broken pieces, put it back together, put your new mast in and have someone turn on the radio.

Awesome DIY. Will have to check if I still have the one I purchased about a year ago lol.

 

[bent77]

Lucky you, I just repaired my antenna and did a pictorial on it:
habanero's 1996 4Runner Build-Up Thread - Page 14 - YotaTech Forums post#332
When you get the mast out compare it to mine, see if you can tell if you've got the whole thing. If not you can open the motor up to remove the broken pieces, put it back together, have someone turn on the radio, wait until it's done making noise then put your new mast in and turn the radio off.


If you don't want to mess with it then take the fender liner off towards the back and top so you can reach the plug. Unplug it. No more antenna, no more noise.

you are awesome man! thank you so much! this will definitely help!!

 

[habanero]

What did you use to regrease?

White lithium. I've been told petroleum free is the way to go for plastics.

 

[bent77]

let me ask one more simple question...

if the power aspect of it doesnt work, can i simply screw one into my threading and expect it to get a good signal?? it would be nice if i could get it to go up and down but it isnt a must.

thanks,

ben

 

[habanero]

Search Tacoma Whip mod. If you can hear it when the antenna's supposed to be going up or down then the motor's working and most likely the antenna's plastic track is broken. It's a pretty common fail.

Ah, never mind about the search, I see you already know about the whip.

 

[bent77]

Yes, it will work perfectly. You just need to have it fully extended. Mine is broken but I have it fully extended and the reception is just as good as one that extends/retracts.

perfect!! thanks my friend.

i probably will go for the proper fix at some point but i just got this T4R and have LOTS of other little things to do (brakes, radio, keyless entry, clean, clean, clean, et cet).

actually tonight, i just got done installing my brand new pioneer app radio which so far is killer!! the only thing is now when i first turn the vehicle on i get some weird type of sound (not sure what it is but wasnt doing it before - but since i only installed a radio i am not concerned about the engine or transmission or anything like that).