98 Outback Power Antenna

[lmdew]

I found a good antenna, It goes up and down, but ratchets at the ends. I cleaned the mask with WD-40. Still not extending fully and ratchets at both ends of the drive. How can I re index it?

[gbhrps]

Imdew,

 

Other than its not extending all of its sections when up, the antenna sounds to be just fine. There is a clutch assembly that kicks in when the motor drives the antenna full up or down. It allows the timer to run out before shutting off the motor. This slip clutch prevents damage to the mast and antenna gears when the mast is fully down or up but the motor is still running on the timer.

 

If one section isn't extending fully, you may be able to help it out by pulling it out as the motor runs. If not, I suggest you take the unit apart and clean and lube it.

 

I've done several over the years, and they're fairly simple to fix. Some motor/gear assemblies unbolt and others are riveted. To open the riveted ones, either grind off or drill out the rivets. When reassembling, use small machine nuts and bolts, pop rivets or small zip ties.

 

When you get the unit apart, you'll see where the whip coils up and is stored in the antenna's down position, and you may discover broken sections of the whip that need to be removed (they'll jamb the unit up eventually). If you find broken sections, a new antenna mast/whip assembly will be required.

 

The easiest way to install a new one is to start the antenna motor in its retracting direction, and feed the geared whip end into the motor assembly, with the geared side pointing towards the center of the assembly, in order to be properly aligned with the gears. Don't forget to put new grease on the gears in the gear box before reassembly.

 

I would pull the antenna assembly from the rear quarter panel, fix it on the workbench, and then place it inside the rear storage area of the car with the mast pointed out the tailgate/trunk opening. Connect its wiring harness and the cycle through several on/off sequences to ensure its working properly before reinstalling it back in the car. good luck!