h2osmokey

2000 RX300 antenna sounds like it's grinding rocks when it retracts into the car after key is removed. Any solution to this issue?

Meetya

Welcome to CL!

Solutions to your problem:
1. Do not remove the key.
2. Just replace antenna mast, it is like $15 on ebay.

HarrierAWD

Use WD-40 to give it a thoroughly cleaning. Then apply white lithium grease. Let the antenna go up and down 3 times. Then wipe as much grease off the antenna as possible. It will drastically cut down on the noise, though not totally silent.

h2osmokey

Thanks for the tips . . . "don't remove the key" ??
I'll try the wd and grease system 1st. . . . Is there guidance on replacing the antenna someplace?
(8D

rx300s415

How does the process of replacing the antenna mast go? I have the same problem just that the noise has reached the point where my passengers always think some pedestrian ran up to the car and started keying it or something.

Meetya

Most of mast sold on ebay include instructions on how to replace them.
For example this:
http://home.earthlink.net/~michaelpk...tenna_Mast.htm

Meetya

That was a joke.

AMN

same problem: antenna does not retract completely. I bought replacement antenna mast on www.antennamastrus.com and followed their instructions. but I can not remove old antenna from the nest. I oiled it and left overnight. no result. I oiled again and wait for a day. no result. do I need take half of a car apart to remove complete power unit? any advise from experienced RX300 owners? thanks.

h2osmokey

The WD and grease event has got it down now to sounding like grinding corn instead of rocks but still a nasty grind on the final few inches.

rx300s415

Same result with me. =\.

salimshah

Major contributor to the sound is the echo (sound waves) and mechanical coupling (vibration) and very little to do with segments.

Cleaning and greasing and wiping off excess grease will no doubt help but will NOT make the system quiet.


For stuck antenna: after removing the locking nut, a person inside the RX needs to do the button sequence (eject antenna), the person outside needs to give a firm pull near the stopping point. The motor is cutting out after it hits the resistance [that is the normal operation for the motor]. Try this as the alternative of removing the motor will lead you down the path of replacing the motor [antenna would still be stuck ... the assembly will be on the workbench]

Salim

Meetya

Yes, usually you need to take the whole assembly out. It took me 15 minutes on Camry last year.

h2osmokey

OK . . .with all that in mind . . does the noise lead to damage, which leads to mo money ?
(8D

salimshah

The key is to determine what is normal noise and when it becomes abnormal/excessive. I have opted for regular maintenance, wd40, work the antenna, wipe off, lithium grease, work the antenna, wipe off.

Noise is still there, in 8yrs replaced the whip once and no other problems.

Salim

h2osmokey

So . . .replacing the whip stopped the grinding, or just no additional problems? (8D