So not too long ago, I bought a used but refreshed antenna (mast and grease) from a member here. He had it in his car and it worked fine. Then he stripped the car for whatever reason, (accident or whatever) and it was sitting on a shelf. I put it in my car and it only rises 2 sections no matter how hard I help it!

Removed it and broke it down and cleaned everything. Seems the new(er) mast and toothed nylon cable is getting stuck inside the mast as it extends. I have it out and even with me pushing the nylon cable, it won't extend past 2 sections. Probably aftermarket. And the nylon cable is real curly from sitting.

So, I have a line on an OEM new one (yes they are still available). But since I cleaned everything like new, which grease internally for all the moving gears would be best? Bearing Grease, White Lithium or Silicone grease? And why?

Thanks fellas!

 

I'd guess white lithium grease. I can't imagine it really makes much of a difference though.

Do you think the antenna is corroded? I was messing with old ones. I think they were siezed together from corrosion. After striking out on those, I bought an OEM mast and it's been trouble free since.

 

I'm guessing, but I think exactly what you do.... Corrosion is what's keeping it from expanding fully. So. I'm goinng OEM mast, and since I can pack any kind of grase in all the gears, white lithium or Silicone grease. Everything I've read says Silicone grease in the mast keeps it from sticking. What a shame Nissan doesn't really post any guidelines.

Thanks JS, as always!

 

J, I just did this repair last week on my '97 after believing my mast needed to be wash in the "up" position at the car wash, rrrrgh. Anyway I got my replacement from these guys http://www.antennamastsrus.com/. Perfect fit and function. I used whatever grease I had available and while I had the power unit out of the vehicle I split the cases and shot some white litho on the small drive gears just because. My operates smoothly and effortlessly now.

 

So I contacted the Tech Dept at The Antenna Source in the link above.The Gentleman was straight up said New Antenna Mast time. He also said if all the old grease is cleaned out, to use wheel bearing grease on all the parts in the motor assembly, but NOT in the Mast. Wheel Bearing grease winds up bring the situation I have in the long run for the Mast.

I found a new OEM mast for $26 shipped. Last one unfortunately. OEM lasted 18 years. I like those results. Worth every penny!