1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Power Radio Antenna
First you need to remove the accumulated dirt and grease from the antenna. I use a clean cloth towel to apply a light solvent, or WD-40 (which is 60-70% Stoddard solvent + 15-25% light petroleum oil), or alcohol; and then clean the power antenna mast. The first time you do this expect large amounts of dirt on the towel, subsequent cleanings should show less dirt accumulation. I change to a clean area of the towel, apply WD-40 or alcohol, and clean the antenna mast again. Repeat until the mast is completely clean. To be really thorough, raise and lower the power antenna and then repeat the cleaning operation.
Now that all the old dirt and grease is removed from the antennae, apply some silicone spray to a clean towel and apply a light film to the antenna mast. A couple good brands are CRC (Also sold as NAPA Auto Parts brand) Heavy Duty Silicone Spray and Crown Slix-it (both are 65-75% Heptane + 20-40% Butane propellant + 6-10% Dimethyl polysiloxane). Some of the other brands, like GUNK Silicone Spray, are only 3-6% silicone. In the future, you can clean the antenna and lubricate it by just using a clean cloth and silicone spray.
I do this about 2-3 times a year and have never had the power antenna stick or stop working. The silicone also keeps most ice from building-up on the antenna. Obviously, if the antenna stops working due to accumulated ice build-up, do not force the antenna and just wait until it thaws.
Rob Mustard (aka REM in Seattle)
1998 Saab 900SET 5-door; Automatic; 64,000 miles
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider 5-sp; 94,000 miles
1984 Saab 900T 3-door; 5-sp; 242,000 miles RIP
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