The antenna on my 93 Maxima does not go down all the way and sometimes, it barely retracts at all. I figure that I need to disassemble the motor from the mast, but I was having some difficultly separating the mast from the motor and then from the rest of the car (I was able to peel back the trunk liner, unbolt the motor from the chasis, and unplug it as well). There seems to be a rubber grommit on the outside of the mast and on the inside of the car. Is there an easy way to remove this component without cutting it up or destroying any of the surrounding parts?

 

the nut on the top has to be unscrewed
94 FSM EL 110

 

What nut is that? There is only a smooth tapered metal ring around the opening where the antenna is supposed to retract into. Is this what you are referring to? There are two opposing holes on the inside of the opening on this ring or nut. What sort of tool should I use to torque this nut?

 

that is the nut, and they make special tools to take it off. or you can try to take it off with a needle nose pliers. the tool is worth the $6 for it, much easier than the needle nose pliers.
the 2 opposing holes are where each of the noses of the pliers go.

 

you could also try snapring plyers or vicegrips with a rag so to not scratch the finish

 

my friends gxe antenna has that problem, what makes the antenna do there? figured it just needed to be greased up or something

 

Age, speed, lube, environment

 

I found that it was better to not lube it at all. Driving down the road picks up grit and then you have dirty lube and then it only makes it worse. I was told that it is better to wipe it down and then hit it with some car wax. Keep the mast really smooth and there should not be any problem. At least I did not have any problem when I used to drive my grandfather's GXE (the antenna worked well then).

 

i have the same problem!

 

yeah i should have thought about the rag part.... mine came off but it's all gnarled up now.

 

I remember when I had to replace my antenna, I had THE WORST time getting it done. I went to the store, bought a universal antenna, wired it up but it never worked. What sucks is after buying the new antenna, I ended up having to use the old motor, the old everything except for the antenna mast, and the cord or w/e that's attached to it. So now I have an extra antenna motor (I hope I'll never have to use it though lol)

 

did you ever test the harness plug that goes into the motor?

 

Dude, I tested every wire that was involved, I think you're talking about the wire that was green with a purple stripe, and the other one was all green (or something like that)...and nothing ever worked, I heard some noises but that was about it....then once I reused the old motor...with the new antenna rod....she went straight up with no problems....now my project is trying to put 6x9 inch speakers in where 6.5's/6.75's fit (I've learned that I'll probably have to get some brackets from a Bose equipped max to get it done) -- quite excited for this project incase you can't tell lol --

 

Bringing back an old thread! I am having a problem with the antenna once again. This time it won't go down when I shut off the car. The only way to retract it all the way is to shut off the stereo first and the shut off the car (or the power). It is an aftermarket pioneer stereo, but I have never had this problem until recently. Figured that I paid a good amount for the antenna, best to keep 'er safe. Any suggestions?