Antennas, what messes them up?

[PeteB88]

Well, it's awesome, can't wait to drive it more and get into cleaning it up, crawling around the under side and mess around with it and in it.

What up with the antennas? I read many fail. the one on my 98 works, what do I do to protect it, preventive maintenance, lubrication, right stuff etc.

Ellen wants me to make up some screens for the rear window and moon roof so we can leave them open when we camp in it.

 

[RevengEngine]

uh well truth be told...they just get old and break. haha

the motor has a gear that hooks into little white plastic teeth and this is how the antenna goes up and down.

years later, the teeth become brittle and break off all at once! lol

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

It's called planned obsolescence. Toyota figures you won't need to come into the shop for much else, so they gotta get you in there for at least somethnig... :

Typically the "cord" actually just breaks in two, and the teeth stay intact.

It's not just our 4Runners that have this issue; I've replaced it on my in-laws Sequoia too, and another family member had the same problem with their Camry.

 

[PeteB88]

Value engineering - dumb but you're right, from what I hear the service shops don't get to see these vehicles very often. Thanks!!

 

[Ron Helmuth]

it's those plastic teeth for sure.

Preventative is install a switch to control your antenna, instead of letting the head unit do it. Several threads out there....

Many people get excellent reception and never bring their main mast up out of the hole. You have that side window antenna also and it may do you just fine. (Passenger side glass-back)

Otherwise we plan to go to the Tacoma fixed mast antenna and just avoid the whole mess before it fails. Again a few threads out there.

 

[AleksV]

I would like to tackle this tomorrow, anyone have a write up for the #rd gen? or is it the same as 2nd gens? toyota would have what I need I'm guessing?

 

[J-money$$$]

the entire spot welded bracket that holds the antenna broke off on my runner i just fixed it a week ago i had to get new plastic clips for the wheel well lining and a few tacks later i was done