Hello, I’ve combed the forum and could not find anything that specifically fits my issue/solution, there were some threads where dodgy antenna masts/motors were replaced but in this case, that would not have helped. Short of replacing the entire assembly, read on to see how I fixed my stuck AM/FM radio antenna.
My initial symptoms were that the mast could not retract fully when the radio was switched off and stuck out about six inches; I was able to get the mast to fully retract by pressing down on the mast as it retracted, however the mast was then unable to fully extend without me pulling on it while it extended.
Observations indicated that the largest diameter telescoping component was getting hung up somewhere inside the antenna assembly, so I removed it from the fender and with it out I reconnected and powered it up again to fully extend it; I disconnected it in the extended state.
Here I noticed the antenna assembly bore was not straight.
You can see here where the mast is contacting the bore.
Below is my fancy workbench where I clamped the antenna assembly.
It should be observed that the antenna assembly must be elevated such that the face that meets the fender is elevated off the workbench.
With one end clamped but not too tight as it is aluminium, I used multigrips to bend the face straight again.
Once I had bent the face back straight (didn't take much effort), I checked the telescoping mast and I could now easily slide the largest diameter section in and out of the bore; in my haste to confirm the repair I forgot to take more pictures.
The mast now operates smoothly in it's full range of motion without getting hung up!
I can only assume the bore was bent from some sort of impact but I didn’t notice at the time of purchase.
Anyway, I hope this is of help to someone!
My initial symptoms were that the mast could not retract fully when the radio was switched off and stuck out about six inches; I was able to get the mast to fully retract by pressing down on the mast as it retracted, however the mast was then unable to fully extend without me pulling on it while it extended.
Observations indicated that the largest diameter telescoping component was getting hung up somewhere inside the antenna assembly, so I removed it from the fender and with it out I reconnected and powered it up again to fully extend it; I disconnected it in the extended state.
Here I noticed the antenna assembly bore was not straight.
You can see here where the mast is contacting the bore.
Below is my fancy workbench where I clamped the antenna assembly.
It should be observed that the antenna assembly must be elevated such that the face that meets the fender is elevated off the workbench.
With one end clamped but not too tight as it is aluminium, I used multigrips to bend the face straight again.
Once I had bent the face back straight (didn't take much effort), I checked the telescoping mast and I could now easily slide the largest diameter section in and out of the bore; in my haste to confirm the repair I forgot to take more pictures.
The mast now operates smoothly in it's full range of motion without getting hung up!
I can only assume the bore was bent from some sort of impact but I didn’t notice at the time of purchase.
Anyway, I hope this is of help to someone!
