spinedoc

I mangled my antenna mast in a car wash the other day and need to replace it. Anyone know how it comes out? The top half broke off and the belt came out with it. Does the bottom half just pull out, or are there any screws or fasteners?

Also does anyone know of any cheaper alternatives to buying the antenna mast from Lexus? Keep in mind I do not need the motor, just the mast itself.

Thanx

flipside909

if the belt/worm gear came out with it...there is a good chance that the remaining piece of the gear is inside the motor. Does it look like the worm gear was torn? If so, you must remove part of your trunk lining and access the motor. You do have to unscrew the ring at the antenna base to do this, plus you need to open up the motor. All you will need is some simple hand tools like a screwdriver...(forgot if it was flathead or phillips). If you go to Toyota or Lexus parts dept, the worm gear including a new antenna mast will set you back around $75. On ebay, i've seen the whole motor unit for the same price as a brand new antenna mast w/worm gear.
The part number for the mast or the motor should be identical to the same year Camry. Also try taprecycling.com for those parts.

This is a simple fix. If you have any questions e-mail me or better yet, post on our forum at www.teamsc3.com.

Good Luck!

spinedoc

It looks like the belt/worm gear came out fully and unbroken. The motor still turns when the radio is turned on/off.

I purchased the mast at the dealer yesterday, $66. The only thing is I cant figure out how to unscrew the ring at the antenna base. Is there a special tool or method to get this unscrewed?

Also, which way do the teeth on the belt face? Front or back?

Thanx

flipside909

In order for you to take out the remaining worm gear, you must open up the motor. To remove the antenna ring, all you need to do is take two flat head screwdrivers and turn it counterclockwise. Once you remove that, you must unbolt the motor from the mount and unplug the electrical. Once you get this done, it's easy to remove the motor cover. this is a two person job. One person will have a lot of trouble doing this, especially when you have to turn the radio on and off to get the motor running.

Good Luck!

spinedoc

What does the worm gear look like? It sounds like I have to take the motor apart no matter what. I think I am missing something here, a couple of radio shops, and the dealer themselves told me to just pull out the old antenna and belt and load up the new one.

I already tried the 2 screwdrivers on the ring, damn thing is tight and will not come off. I think I will try some vise grips, padded so as to not damage the ring.

Thanx

flipside909

The worm gear is the white plastic toothed piece that pushes the mast up and down. In most cases, there is a broken piece in the motor. If so, you wont be able to get the new antenna worm gear in. Try some wd40 to loosen that ring. It should screw off easily.

spinedoc

I think I see where the confusion is. The mast was bent badly in 2 places, but the antenna still went up and down somewhat. I turned on the radio and as the antenna came up I pulled it completely out, with the worm gear unbroken. I even compared the length with the new worm gear.