Power antenna repair - RIP?

Post by **scot850** » 19 Feb 2023, 19:03

I watched Roberts video, and looks like I have to disassemble the mast to figure out why it won't raise. Watching Robert's video I do not see a small spring flat washer.

When I opened my unit the plastic cover for the toothed cord came with the top and fell off. I found a thing 'warped' spring washer with a center hole the same diameter as the center shaft. What I don't kno is where it fits. In Robert's video I don't even see the washer.

Anyone take a mast to pieces recently who know where this goes?

There are only 3 places I can see.

1) under the plastic cord cover,
2) above the cord cover but under the domed washer
3) Above the domed washer but under the plastic outer cover.
4) There is potentially a 4th one which is on the outside of the outer cover under the small retaining nut but I don't recall seeing it or how it could have got into under the plastic cord cover.

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 19 Feb 2023, 23:15

If you watch the video again,
he mentions a washer when
he’s taking it apart. That it?

Post by **scot850** » 20 Feb 2023, 15:17

Yes, he mentions a washer but only the cupped one which sits on top of the plastic cup for the toothed cord. The one I am talking about is much smaller and a wavy/spring washer.

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Feb 2023, 16:25

Well, as expected the reason for the mast not raising is that it is seized solid. can't even get one piece out.

Unfortunately the mast was jammed in the outer aluminum sleeve. I tried to separate the aluminum sleeve from the motor body when I realized someone had already been in there, which also explains the mystery random washer. The ass had actually glued the 2 parts and then silicone'd them presumably to prevent moisture ingress (from where?).

I had to try to separate them to get the mast out and unfortunately the lower body cracked. I might be able to repair it with plastic glue and my trusty plastic welder. The worst part is the repairer has also jam packed the cord and motor case with what looks like graphite grease (dark gray). Everything including the mast sleeve is full of the stuff. I just have to decide if I want to spend a huge amount of time trying to clean this up and rebuild/repair it and fit a new mast I have. I was planning to build it into my speaker box so it can be extended to test the audio radio signal on my head units. I might just look at disabling the mast or getting a fixed mast. I like the motorized mast as it means I can retract it easily when the test gear is stored.

Tomorrows decision/project, maybe? Or just chuck it and wait for another.

Neil.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 21 Feb 2023, 21:31

Cheapest thing I saw on ebay was about $65 US.
Knock off about 10 bucks if you’re not concerned
about what it’s application is. They’re all pretty
similar and have the same three power leads.

It may also be worth checking with any local
car stereo shops. They may have a used or
dusty NIB unit that may be inexpensive.
Not too many cars use these anymore.

Post by **scot850** » 21 Feb 2023, 22:24

I hear you on that. Owning wagons for so many years none have had them. I'm sure I can get it to work. Just remembered to, I think I may have another one that I fixed a few years ago in the stash. I can use that if I have to. Thanks for the suggestions though.

Neil

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 22 Feb 2023, 00:19

Last time I saw a power antenna on a Volvo,
it was RWD and all the way in back. And
there was still music to be heard on AM...

Post by **scot850** » 22 Feb 2023, 07:25

Neil

Post by **hausmeister** » 23 Feb 2023, 05:01

Honestly, unless you really want to keep it I'd just get a different antenna. During the 15 years I had my s70 I replaced the metal mast once, but it didn't really fix much, as it just got stuck again after some time. Stuck antenna was normal mode of operation.
I even often cleanded the mast and lubed it but meh. The 850 wagon is so much nicer with the window antenna or what it's called.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Feb 2023, 12:03

This antenna is not going back on a car! It is going to be hidden inside a wooden box that will house my speakers for my audio head unit and speaker test station I am building for a bit of fun. Sure I could by a regular on, but where is the fun in that, and I had a spare new MTC mast that has been in a box for years needing a home. I also have another unit I rebuilt years ago from one from my brother's 850 sedan that is sitting in another box in the garage.

I like the idea that I can retract the antenna to prevent damage while the test kit is not in use or stored away. Anyway, hey, I like electro-mechanical stuff for fun anyways.

Neil.