2000 Explorer antenna removal

[bluestream1]

Guys how do I get the antenna base off the fender? I have removed the black cover and the 3 torx screws, but the base won't come off. Its loose and will turn, but it like the is a bolt on the bottom holding it on...

 

[koda2000]

take loose/remove the passenger side plastic inner fender (not hard to do). i believe there is a bolt behind it and i understand it can be a little tough to get at.

 

[dcdyd]

Yes, once you take the inner fender off you will see everything.

 

[bluestream1]

Thanks, I got a used one from the wreckers for $5 going to put it in Tomorrow...

 

[bluestream1]

I have taken the fender liner out, and I have unbolted the lower bolt on the steel arm that goes up to the antenna base. The small bolt that goes on top of this arm is impossible to remove as it butts up against sheet metal. Even if it could be removed it would not matter as the antenna hole is not large enough to remove from the top. (at the wreckers I used a chisel and vise grips to whack open the antenna hole, and pull the entire antenna out from the top because I was in a hurry and it wasn't my car...

This antenna must have been assembled in 2 pieces at the factory, with the bottom part going in first and bolted in place and then the top piece must have been screwed on to the base (not talking about the wip here, that just unscrews from the base)

If you take off the black plastic cover on the fender you may find major corrosion on your antenna base. This has caused poor reception that I have lived with for 6-7 years dur to poor ground and have finally gone looking for the cause.

One more thing, the antenna cable just pushes into the antenna base, so you can re-use your old cable if you are changing the base. This will save a ton of work not having to pull out the old cable and fish in the new one

 

[bluestream1]

Update: the only way to remove the old antenna base is to remove the fender. The the entire unit with support rod can be swung 90 degrees and it will come out through the antenna hole. The antenna must be installed on the fender at the factory before the fender is assembled on the vehicle.

 

[jet843]

2000 Explorer antenna replacement

My radio antenna - that screws into the base snapped off. Is it a difficult job to replace the base ? I'm reading here that the fender needs to come off ? Is there a video on the forum ?

 

[bobflood]

I have replaced my antenna without removing the fender. The round part on top of the fender can be unscrewed; it's easier with an antenna tool that fits into the notches around the perimeter of the base. Harder, but you can use some needle nose pliers. You do have to remove the fender liner to remove the bracket and base inside the fender. Good luck.

 

[bluestream1]

You can remove the old antenna by taking the fender liner out however you can only replace the antenna with an aftermarket unit not an OEM unit

 

[J_C]

^ I saw nothing about my fixed mast antenna that would prevent putting an OEM replacement in without taking the fender off, though mine is a '98, did they change it somehow? Mine is as bobflood described, there's a metal nut at the top, the screws then one bolt or screw at the bottom behind the wheel well liner.

Jet843 it's not difficult at all but takes a few minutes wrestling with the fender liner, especially if your vehicle fasteners have succumb to rust over the years. IIRC there was a pollution control canister also screwed to the fender liner that does not need to come off, has (a couple?) screws inset from the row on the fender holding the liner on.

 

[jet843]

I really appreciate you guys for the input. I came up with a custom repair - I will post some pictures when done.

stay tuned ........

 

[bluestream1]

I really appreciate you guys for the input. I came up with a custom repair - I will post some pictures when done.

stay tuned ........

Great, we are waiting...

 

[jet843]

pictures for antenna repair

I made a great repair - however I dont know how to post pictures to this sight.
If some one can walk me thru it i'll show a nice repair.

 

[bluestream1]

Post to photobucket or similar hosting site..

 

[jet843]

photobucket

ok pics are in photo bucket - now what

 

[J_C]

now u link...

 

[jet843]

pics

I do not know how to "link"

send me your email ....... i'll forward you the pictures.

sorry........

 

[bluestream1]

You just need to click on post reply, then click in the insert Image icon (4th to the left of the youtube icon) then copy the URL from you photobucket image and the YOur golden

 

[jet843]

antenna fix

http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/jet843/library/

you need to MAKE the little piece to fit the nub sticking out of the fender.

 

[bluestream1]

http://s1308.photobucket.com/user/jet843/library/

you need to MAKE the little piece to fit the nub sticking out of the fender.

Good repair if you just need a new mast...Note to others: the base will only come out with the fender off the truck