Antenna Problem

[nguyen]

I replaced my antenna mast about a year ago. Well, recently my car began making an awful noise only when the antenna goes up. We took the antenna assembly apart and didn't notice anything unusual except perhaps the teeth of the cable was worn.

I emailed the guy I had purchased the antenna mast from and he had this to say:

"1st : Many pieces of old drive cable are often overlooked because they are "hiding" inside the cable reservoir (big hollow plastic wheel) I have had flat out arguments with folks who opened it and SWORE there was nothing inside only to reveal up to 18 inch lengths of old cable inside the "cable reservoir" upon second inspection.

2nd : if the worm gear is worn (VERY VERY common for Lexus) then it wont necessarily grind going up and down......the teeth on the worm gear wear out to one side.....

If the new drive cable shows Wear : Something HAS to be causing that....it doesnt just wear itself out.

Remember, something caused the initial failure.

My money is on an overlooked piece of old drive cable.

Please have him reopen the motor and do this inspection otherwise, the problems will most likely persist and no new mast is going to fix the ongoing trouble. You must fix the root of the problem or your next new mast might only last 6 months

Trust me, I have installed 100's of these and sold 1000's, I know what I am saying 110%."

We haven't had a chance to take the antenna assembly apart again.

Has this happened to anyone and does anyone have any idea what could be causing the wear on the cable?

Thanks!

[SKperformance]

just what he said sounds right