which lubricant for powered antenna mast?
- Thread starter hrt4me
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When I replaced my power mast antenna, I took the motor apart to get the bits of broken plastic cable out of the motor. It was lubed from the factory with white lithium grease, so that's what I used on the new cable.
If you are talking about the metal sections of the extended mast that can get dirty, I just spray some WD-40 on a rag, and wipe the dirt off the mast.
If you are talking about the metal sections of the extended mast that can get dirty, I just spray some WD-40 on a rag, and wipe the dirt off the mast.
War Sprout
New member
^ x2
I bet Break-free CLP would do the trick, too.
I bet Break-free CLP would do the trick, too.
shootmymime
New member
white lithium grease X2
the great him
Elite Member
semen... works every time 60% of the time
sb253
New member
Thats what I use
shootmymime
New member
mine has worked every time, 0% of the time. aka no kids.... knock on wood. lol
BlackCat914
New member
that would work pretty well, but doesn't it hold a lot of dirt and debris?
I just use some silicone spray.
Bumper2Bumper Auto
New member
lithium grease does tend to collect and hold dirt. graphite has always been best for this type of application. It is dry, applies easily, and doesn't leave a film to collect dirt.
Just to reiterate, since there seems to be some confusion; the white lithium grease is down in the motor assembly, where the plastic toothed cable which extends and retracts the antenna coils up upon retraction, and uncoils upon extension.
You wouldn't want to smear grease on the exposed (extended) metal mast sections. That would make a mess.
For me, just some WD-40 on a rag to occasionally wipe off any accumulated dirt, keeps it working smoothly.
My first mast from the factory lasted 12 years, the second OEM mast which I installed myself, is still smooth as can be, and should last at least as long as the original.
I dislike having an antenna mast sticking up constantly, or I might have done the often mentioned Tacoma whip mod.
You wouldn't want to smear grease on the exposed (extended) metal mast sections. That would make a mess.
For me, just some WD-40 on a rag to occasionally wipe off any accumulated dirt, keeps it working smoothly.
My first mast from the factory lasted 12 years, the second OEM mast which I installed myself, is still smooth as can be, and should last at least as long as the original.
I dislike having an antenna mast sticking up constantly, or I might have done the often mentioned Tacoma whip mod.
TheDurk
Elite Member
I do exactly this, too. 12 years on first mast, and it broke because the nylon cable was completely brittle. No lube approach would have helped with that.
LittleCaesar
New member
None.
If yours is sticking, replace it. Not hard to do.
If yours is sticking, replace it. Not hard to do.
there's no indication it is sticking, it just started squealing and whining when retracting, particularly the final 30%
LittleCaesar
New member
I misread, thanks to being in Dulles on a Tuesday afternoon.
Given all the wind and other elements it has faced in X number of years, it is probably on its last leg. That said, giving it a wipe down may not hurt. I have used this and its brother the Marine Silicone spray with some good use on older Hondas and Acuras:
CRC 05074 Heavy Duty Silicone Multi-Use Lubricant - 7.5 Wt Oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive
Given all the wind and other elements it has faced in X number of years, it is probably on its last leg. That said, giving it a wipe down may not hurt. I have used this and its brother the Marine Silicone spray with some good use on older Hondas and Acuras:
CRC 05074 Heavy Duty Silicone Multi-Use Lubricant - 7.5 Wt Oz. : Amazon.com : Automotive
War Sprout
New member
If it's the final 30%, quickly turn the radio volume up loud enough to drown out the squeaks.
No grease needed, just good timing.
No grease needed, just good timing.
