yudkib

Just a quick question, is there any real quality difference between the OEM and aftermarket antenna masts?

The people I purchased the car from did the mast right before they sold it but it didn’t last 6 months. I’m not interested in a non-power retractable antenna, it’s just a question of OEM or aftermarket mast for me.

Thx

salimshah

Not all after market antennas are the same, so it is hard to say.
I recall the early ones were flimsy as posted by members. I replaced mine twice in the 17yrs and both times was OEM.

Salim

yudkib

Can you post a pic of it extended and partly retracted? Can you tell if it’s chrome played steel or aluminum? Mine failed when it pulled a segment through one of the telescoped crimped ends but it was dirty as hell so I stripped the motor to clean it out. Hoping I won’t have a repeat. Thanks.

salimshah

My RX got totaled.

You can visit Lexus parts and get the feel and touch. My guess is it was steel. I stayed with Leuxs/Toyota.


Salim

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

I've had 3 afternarket masts. Two snapped after about a year, the third is still going strong. Get one with the tip that looks like the OEM (chunky), not the one with the black o-ring around the tip (skinny). They are pretty easy to replace.

yudkib

Yeah, that was the only difference I could really see between the various masts at least from a photo. I found one that's labelled as OEM but price seems too good to be true. Has the right tip on the aerial though. Guess we'll find out.
Not a difficult job, no, but still just one more thing I don't need on the honey-do list after I fix it once. Still getting the new addition into top shape

cwatx

I got a replacement antenna from http://www.antennamastsrus.com/ for my 2000 RX300 that I recently sold. It was still going strong after 8 years.
Hope that helps!