Power Antenna clutch nut torque

[Michael Vogler]

Gentlemen 

I recently installed a new antenna mast, which has worked well for the past month or so.  Yesterday, after washing the car, the mast jerked slowly down and I heard the “click, click, click” of the motor clutch trying to pull the mast down, but the clutch seemed to be slipping.  Now, the  mast stuck about 1/2 way up, and the motor is operational.  I’m hoping that I didn’t tighten the clutch nut enough to operate the mast in all situations and now the nylon cable is slipping (Wishful thinking, I know.).  I fear the new cable is broken. I’m going to pull the antenna apart (again!) this weekend to repair it.  Does anyone know what the torque should be on the clutch nut to pull the cable sufficiently yet not break the cable by being too tight?  I cannot find any information in the shop manual on how tight the nut should be.

[Jason Edge]

I don't know torque but I would first get some WD40 and spray the mast and gently pull up and/or push down to try and get it moving. You may just have some oxidation or a rough spot on that needs lubing and smoothing. When I pull a used antenna I always liberally soak the mast sections with WD 40 and go back and forth with 0000 steel wool. that last antenna I just pulled and sold was sticking about half way up and the above noted process brought it completely back to life. Of course if the nylon cord is broke it is only going to go up so far and stop and not grab... only fix there is to replace or leave up until you can get another so you can at least listen to radio.

[Michael Vogler]

Thanks, Jason.  I soaked the antenna with WD40 yesterday.  I’ll try to get it moving tonight.  Btw, the antenna is new (from Caddy Daddy).

[Jason Edge]

Michael, I understood the antenna mast is new. Did you give it a pull when going up and a push when going down? If it is installed in the car it is a two person job. When I test/clean/lube on the bench I can do it all myself. Sometimes, they just need a bit of help until they are smoothed down/lubed a bit. If that does not work, when you take it out and apart, if the cord is not broken I would just torque down about a 1/2 turn or what every feels right. If it is broke I would send back for a replacement... which should be free. The original nylon cords were very thick and very strong but still a 1/2 century of use and they will break.