where to get a new one for cheap??

 

junk yard

 

Which part is broken? If the flexible plastic "rope" broke the best replacement is a new mast. If the electric motor broke you need a replacement antenna assembly. Alternatively, replace the power antenna with an inexpensive fixed mast. Some Maximas (such as Plain Jane, my '99 GXE) came with a fixed mast as factory equipment.

 

If it is the mast (the metal thingy that goes up and down), you can get an aftermarket mast from pep boys for $15-$20

I had posted instructions on mast replacement two months back, but am not able to retrieve it using the search function of the forum.

Manish

 

The Search Function has been broken for days. Maybe weeks. Aggravating...

 

The antenna "rope" is the flexible plastic part of the telescopic mast assembly. These instructions assume the old rope is still intact, but has some stripped gear teeth. If the old rope is broken you will have to remove the power antenna motor, disassemble it, and remove the broken pieces. That's a bigger job, but still doable by the home mechanic.

(1) Remove the antenna bezel nut. Use an antenna wrench such as Steck 21600. For details, go to http://www.steckmfg.com/21600.htm. If you don't have the special wrench, a pair of needle-nose pliers can be used. Cover the paint all around the bezel nut with a soft cloth to protect the finish against an accidental slip. Be careful!

(2) Have an assistant turn on the radio. This will cause the antenna rod to raise (or at least, to try). Grasp the antenna rod and help it up and all the way out of the car.

(3) Insert the new antenna rope with the gear teeth facing the rear of the vehicle.

(4) When you feel the gear teeth begin to engage, have your assistant turn the radio off. Gently guide the rope and mast inward as the power antenna motor draws it down. It should pull the mast all the way down.

(5) Install the bezel nut. Tighten to 2 foot-pounds.

For more information please refer to the Chilton repair manual (page 10-4) or the Haynes repair manual (page 12-10). Haynes is better because it has photos.

 

i never knew such a tool existed. That seems like it would make life a lot easier.

 

I tried to replace the antenna mast using the following instruction from Mr. Martin. I am having trouble getting the old antenna out of the car. I have removed the antenna nut. I pull the antenna up when
my son turns on the radio. When the antenna reaches its full extent, I am unable to pull the unit out. It feels solid like metal against metal. All of the threads I have read says the mast and plastic rope should come out easily. I have a 95SE that was made in May of 1994. Is there any steps I am missing to get the old antenna mast out?
Thanks,
Kevin

 

I have the same problem. My mast bent at the base but to keep it from hanging out I just pushed it back in and now the bend is below the exit hole and won't come out. Won't allow the mast to just retract out. I (and maybe you too) will have to open up the entire assembly and see if the mast can be extricated that way...