How do I remove shark fin antenna from 2010 4runner?

[GoneSurfing]

I want to remove the shark fin xm antenna from my 2010 4runner. I installed the factory roof racks, but the antenna is several inches higher. I need room to mount my standup paddle board but the antenna is in the way. I guess I’ll need an aftermarket plate or something to cover the hole. Any suggestions?

 

[jca21]

just a suggestion,

wouldnt it be easier to just wrap the factory bars in some thick foam? you could get that dark gray foam and use black zip ties to hold it in place.

that should give you the clearance you need AND protect your paddle board.

alternatively if you really want to remove it you can look up the info in the TIS. it is located in the sticky at the top of the page regarding modifications and write ups.

 

[GoneSurfing]

My boards still hit the antenna

just a suggestion,

wouldnt it be easier to just wrap the factory bars in some thick foam? you could get that dark gray foam and use black zip ties to hold it in place.

that should give you the clearance you need AND protect your paddle board.

alternatively if you really want to remove it you can look up the info in the TIS. it is located in the sticky at the top of the page regarding modifications and write ups.

I have surf racks with thick foam pads. Surfboards are not flat. They curve several inches from the center (this is actually called “rocker”). My boards are shaped with a lot of rocker. Anyway, the antenna is too tall. In addition, I have no use for satellite radio—we have no satellite access in Hawaii. Thanks for your reply…

 

[SeattleMike]

I want to remove the shark fin xm antenna from my 2010 4runner. I installed the factory roof racks, but the antenna is several inches higher. I need room to mount my standup paddle board but the antenna is in the way. I guess I’ll need an aftermarket plate or something to cover the hole. Any suggestions?

Use a flat head covered in tape to pop the three headliner retainers just inside the back tailgate area. Gently pull it down and you can see the large nut holding the shark fin threaded portion to the roof. Disconnect the wires running to it and unscrew the nut. There are two black tabs that have to be squeezed together and then the whole assembly pops out the top.

I never found a replacement piece. I just filled mine with epoxy and then used a hack saw to lower it to fit under my rack.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I had installed a Wilson 1000 CB antenna where my shark fin was originally. It's very easy to remove the fin, as SeattleMike mentioned already. I removed the CB antenna and put the shark fin back when I sold the TE back in July.

Here is a pic.

 

[dieck]

I realize this is a very old thread. But do you have any pics or further info on how you did this and what it looked like afterwards?

Use a flat head covered in tape to pop the three headliner retainers just inside the back tailgate area. Gently pull it down and you can see the large nut holding the shark fin threaded portion to the roof. Disconnect the wires running to it and unscrew the nut. There are two black tabs that have to be squeezed together and then the whole assembly pops out the top.

I never found a replacement piece. I just filled mine with epoxy and then used a hack saw to lower it to fit under my rack.

 

[1engineer]

I realize this is a very old thread. But do you have any pics or further info on how you did this and what it looked like afterwards?

Mike passed away a few years ago after a short illness. If there were pictures it would be of a drooping headliner is all. Pop the rear clips and the nut is right there. Scale of 1-10 this is a 1.

 

[dieck]

Sorry to hear of his passing. Thanks. Do you know of a low profile option that is still functional for XM?

Mike passed away a few years ago after a short illness. If there were pictures it would be of a drooping headliner is all. Pop the rear clips and the nut is right there. Scale of 1-10 this is a 1.

 

[1engineer]

Sorry to hear of his passing. Thanks. Do you know of a low profile option that is still functional for XM?

XM makes a low profile antenna but doubt it would be plug and play. If you remove the fin you will have a hole. The pic above shows it covered with a CB antenna mount.

 

[4Surfin]

Doesnt the NAV unit use the shark fin too? I thought about removing mine but wasnt sure. RIP Mike

 

[934x4]

Could you not just cut it down and maybe sand it a bit to make it look nice? I'd think that would be much easier than pulling things apart and inviting the inevitable rattles that will follow.

By the way:

"I have surf racks with thick foam pads. Surfboards are not flat. They curve several inches from the center (this is actually called “rocker”). My boards are shaped with a lot of rocker. Anyway, the antenna is too tall. In addition, I have no use for satellite radio—we have no satellite access in Hawaii."

If you're going to have a problem in life, this is one of the best.

 

[DesertCanyons]

Xm antanae removal

Doesnt the NAV unit use the shark fin too? I thought about removing mine but wasnt sure. RIP Mike

Sorry to hear about Mike. RIP Mike.

I don't know from experience but I read here recently that it only serves the Xm radio. The NAV has a separate antennae in or under the dash.

Why do the roof rack companies build contorted racks to fit around the shark fin? Does it need clearance from metal for good reception? Or is it just about the physical presence of the thin fin?

I don't intend to use xM radio and want a solid, square frame for my roof rack. This thread helped me see how to remove the fin. I think it would be easy to fab cover plates from metal or plastic using the same bolt and a rubber gasket. The bolt could be as simple and crude as an exposed SS through bolt with a rubber washer under the head.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I imagine Duct Tape will fix the hole.

 

[NYNURSE]

Having taken apart a 2015 antenna, there are 3 separate antennas inside. The XM radio and GPS are flat and sit on circuit boards. The AM antenna is a 3 inch upright that sits in the rear most location. If you are willing to lose AM, the fin can be cut down to about an inch and a half. I cut mine down to the height of the roof rack and did not lose the AM. Just make sure you seal everything back up and you are good to go.

 

[dieck]

Very good first hand info. Thank you for posting.

Having taken apart a 2015 antenna, there are 3 separate antennas inside. The XM radio and GPS are flat and sit on circuit boards. The AM antenna is a 3 inch upright that sits in the rear most location. If you are willing to lose AM, the fin can be cut down to about an inch and a half. I cut mine down to the height of the roof rack and did not lose the AM. Just make sure you seal everything back up and you are good to go.

 

[pizon76]

2010 4 runner sr5 satilite antenna

I have a reception issue with xm radio lately. It will go in and out and the display will say no signal. I've had xm for 7 years with really no issue but now it only works intermittently. Is it xm or my factory shark fin antenna?

 

[oljedi11950]

antenna lots of posts about this in low profile antenna , mine was POS !! Found a corolla 1 works great ! Cheapest I've found is 187$ online !!