Power Antenna question?

[1996BLKBauer]

I have a Power Antenna on my 96' Eddie Bauer, and well it's broken. I am heading to the junk yard tomorrow to grab a few small things, but I know last time I saw ALOT of Explorers with the normal antennas on them. could I just grab one of those, take the electric one out, and put the stationary one in?

 

[Turdle]

I have a Power Antenna on my 96' Eddie Bauer, and well it's broken. I am heading to the junk yard tomorrow to grab a few small things, but I know last time I saw ALOT of Explorers with the normal antennas on them. could I just grab one of those, take the electric one out, and put the stationary one in?

yes. be sure to get all the mounting straps and screws.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

yes. be sure to get all the mounting straps and screws.

fantastic! I think the black stationary antenna would look a lot better then the chrome power one. considering my truck is black. plus then I don't have to worry about the power to the antenna if/when I install and aftermarket stereo.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

For what its worth pretty much all aftermarket stereos have a power antenna lead. If the antenna is broken but the motor works, swapping in a new antenna takes less than a minute. Simply loosen the nut at the base of the mount, turn on the stereo and the antenna will push itself out and fall off the truck. Take the new antenna, feed the white gear strip into the hole teeth forward, and turn off the radio. The motor will pull the new antenna down into the system. Retighten nut - done.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

For what its worth pretty much all aftermarket stereos have a power antenna lead. If the antenna is broken but the motor works, swapping in a new antenna takes less than a minute. Simply loosen the nut at the base of the mount, turn on the stereo and the antenna will push itself out and fall off the truck. Take the new antenna, feed the white gear strip into the hole teeth forward, and turn off the radio. The motor will pull the new antenna down into the system. Retighten nut - done.

It's really that easy? I know my motor works. I hear it when I shut off the truck, the antenna just does not move. It is actually stuck in place, it does not move up or down. I feel stupid asking this, but are you suppose to grease these ever?

 

[geosnooker2000]

It's really that easy? I know my motor works. I hear it when I shut off the truck, the antenna just does not move. It is actually stuck in place, it does not move up or down. I feel stupid asking this, but are you suppose to grease these ever?

I would love to think it's that easy, but the last time I went looking for a replacement antenna, I found that NONE of the aftermarket antennae are the same diameter of the OEM one. If someone knows of a compatible brand, PLEASE post it.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I would love to think it's that easy, but the last time I went looking for a replacement antenna, I found that NONE of the aftermarket antennae are the same diameter of the OEM one. If someone knows of a compatible brand, PLEASE post it.

I'm bringing a battery to the Junk Yard tomorrow, if I see one with a power antenna, I am going to test it. I have a feeling that is most likely the onlt place to find a replacement.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

If the antenna does not move but the power motor does make some noise, the very likely culprit is the plastic gear strip is broken. If you pull the motor off the truck (4 screws, ground strap and the wire harness if I remember correctly), there is a circular section at the bottom of the motor where the gear strip winds into. It had a cover held on with a screw. Take the cover off and the old broken piece will fall out. Put cover back on and proceed as before with a new antenna.

As for the antenna mast, geosnooker is correct that the aftermarket ones at Autozone and such do not fit - they are too wide. Checking the yard is probably the best bet since they are easy to take off and likely very cheap. I believe there was a slight difference between the 95-97 and 98-01 so check the year code on the door sticker before you take it off. If you want a new one I would recommend RockAuto but they don't have the part listed anymore. The correct new part can be ordered from Bridgewood Motorsports in Wisconsin. They list new masts on ebay for around $30.

 

[geosnooker2000]

If the antenna does not move but the power
................. If you want a new one I would recommend RockAuto but they don't have the part listed anymore. The correct new part can be ordered from Bridgewood Motorsports in Wisconsin. They list new masts on ebay for around $30.

Did you actually get one from them? I don't trust Ebay to get it right. I ordered a replacement dryer/accumulator from a local guy on Ebay this past summer. Had the right part number listed, but it wouldn't fit my '93. He was nice enough to exchange it for the correct one..... but he didn't have the correct one.

If you really put your hands on one and it worked, I'm there with bells on.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Yeah mine is rattling when I hit bumps and drives me up the wall.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Yeah mine is rattling when I hit bumps and drives me up the wall.

Mine was so bad, when I took it off and tried to collapse it, it actually broke. So, no wonder the plastic teeth broke on it.

 

[italianbigsky]

My power antenna isn't working correctly. I was thinking to dismount it and check if I can repair it. Thanks to your suggestion, I'm confident I can do the job easily.
I'm only afraid that the antenna is broken and I should find another one on the internet, as here we don't have junkyards with explorers laying there.

Motor is still working, I can hear it. The antenna folds and unfolds but everytime some parts of it remain randonly unfolded.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

I wonder if I replace mine if it'll still work with my afternarket HU.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

I wonder if I replace mine if it'll still work with my afternarket HU.

I don't see why not. I believe almost all antennas are the same, maybe with the exception of powered ones on high end cars.

 

[Steeda04SVT]

Mine was so bad, when I took it off and tried to collapse it, it actually broke. So, no wonder the plastic teeth broke on it.

Luckily mine didn't break when I collapsed it back into the fender.

I don't see why not. I believe almost all antennas are the same, maybe with the exception of powered ones on high end cars.

Gonna try the JY on Friday and see if I can't find a motorized one, they have a few EB X's there and will see. If not then I'll just snag a non motorized one and call it a day.