850 Antenna Mast Won't Pull Out

Thom K · Post by **Thom K** » 20 Feb 2008, 09:29

I have read three different sets of instructions for removing the antenna mast. The mast has a very slight bend in it and has ceased lowering more than 1/2 way.
I have the 16mm nut and rubber mount removed.
I have turned the radio on and raised the mast to full length several times.
The mast will not pull up further. It feels as though there is a collar below the threaded sleeve.
I have given it a few sharp pulls to no avail.
Before pulling the motor housing apart, do any of you know how to best remove the mast?

Thanks for your help!

N/A 5 speed '94 850 180K

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Feb 2008, 20:09

You just need to replace the mast. They are cheap...less than $20.00. No need to open up the motor. No need to even get into the trunk area to expose it. Just loosen the antenna retaining nut at the top of the antenna on the body, remove the sleeve and keep turning the radio on and pulling. It will come completely out. To replace, just slide the plastic piece all the way in, and turn the radio off so it will grab the piece and pull the antenna mast in. Once it's in all the way re-tighten the nut at the top of the antenna. It's very simple and really the only way to deal with one that is bend it to replace it.

Thom K · Post by **Thom K** » 20 Feb 2008, 21:56

MIJ,

Thanks. I had the nut off and turned the radio on and off numerous times. The mast would go up as far as it could push, but the sleeve that holds it from coming all the way out was stuck. I did end up taking out the motor. As it turns out, I would have had to any way as the plastic leader had broken off in the motor. I had to pull the antenna like a slide hammer quite hard and numerous times (20?) to get the retaining sleeve to pull out. With it out of the car, at least all I could damage was the antenna unit. Regardless, the new mast is in and works beautifully.

Post by **JimBee** » 17 Feb 2009, 19:53

Car is a '93 850 with original Volvo power antenna (made in Mexico, I think).

I'm just trying to remove a presumably good antenna to put the whole thing in another car, but having the same problem. I don't get the "sleeve" part. The exterior retainer nut won't slip over the nub on the tip of the mast, so I can't just remove the unit in tact by pulling it down through the mount hole. I took the plastic gear spool apart, thinking I might be able to release something in there to unlock the mast; everything looks new and well greased. With the plastic tail gear freed up, I still can't pull the mast out of its tube. It stops hard at the top (where there's sort of a crimped on crown) with a metallic clink.

Is the threaded brass end that the exterior retainer nut screws onto the sleeve that pulls out? if so, could I just leave that nut on, unbolt the base bracket and pull down on the tube to get the mast out?

Thanks in advance for the solution to this puzzle.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Feb 2009, 20:31

Just yank on it harder. The sleeve can be really tough to dislodge from the main shaft. If you can get just a little bit of the crown on the sleeve exposed you can use a small screwdriver to pry on it.

It may take some doing but it will come out.

...Lee

Post by **JimBee** » 17 Feb 2009, 21:02

Lee,
I said, thanks! but hold it...what exactly should I yank on. If I bolt the antenna back into the body, could I get up on the back quarter, grab the mast with a vice grip and pull that way? If the exterior nut is on the shaft, does that lock it in? I'm still a bit confused.
JB

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Feb 2009, 21:18

You need to do the "yanking" with the bolt off. There is a ferrule at the bottom of the replacement (and original) masts that sets into the tube that leads down to the motor. That is always the sticking point for the removal.

I replaced the mast on the Platinum a couple of weeks ago and I know where you are getting hung up.

I didn't use vice grips or pliers until I had a clear shot at the ferrule on the base of the mast - I just grabbed it with my hands and pulled.

Once you get a grip on the ferrule you can use the pliers to walk the old assembly off.

...Lee

JFO · Post by **JFO** » 17 Feb 2009, 22:07

Good to see I'm not alone! I've had a new mast in my parts box for awhile...the mast was getting a bit worn so I ordered one planning to quickly replace it when I had a few minutes. I replaced the original mast a few years ago with no problem. Well, this one simply does not want to come out! I've pretty much destroyed the small edge of the ferrule with screwdrivers, etc, and it's stuck....no amount of pulling by hand is working. When I have more time I guess I'll take it out of the car and work on it, unless someone has another approach.

Jim

db130 · Post by **db130** » 18 Feb 2009, 10:22

i did not want to fudge with a seized antenna mast in 20 degree weather, so the entire power antenna assembly was replaced with a used one from a fair weather region, i paid less than $20 shipped for it.

i may still order a replacement mast and fool around with the old antenna some more when the weather is nicer.

Post by **JimBee** » 18 Feb 2009, 18:29

I believe we're making progress. Two more questions:
At the top, it looks like the mast fits tightly inside the brass threaded part that the exterior nut goes on. How does the ferrule come up through there? Or does the ferrule just slip off the mast as you pull it out the top, which you seemed to suggest earlier. If that's the case, what happens to the ferrule? Doesn't it obstruct the new mast?