I have a 2002 lexus rx300. The antenna will not go down now but you can still hear the motor running. I am am thinking that the teeth are worn on the antenna thread. I hope that it is not the motor. Does anyone have any advice?Thanks

 

Try a bit of WD40 on the mast before you give up. I had mine freeze up on me once and it is still in use today.

 

Welcome to the forum!

3 Things can happen;
1) The plastic teeth on the end of the antenna mast get striped off.
2) The lower portion of the plastic teeth cable break off and get stuck inside the motor.
3) The plastic gears that drive the othergears inside the motor strip, causing you to purchace an entire antenna assembly.

Its most likely one or two.

They all have happened to me.

There is good information on disassembling the rear of the car on this forum.

Try searching for "antenna replacement".

 

I had the same thing on my 2002 rx300. If you can hear the motor running normally, it's most likey ok. The plastic "gear strip" breaks inside the spool. I Had to replace the mast. Lexus calls it Rod & Pipe.. part #86337-0W030. lists for over $100.00 if you can believe it. I asked for a the good guy price & they gave me 10% off. (anything is a help) Hope this helps.

 

I have replaced it (the "Rod & Pipe") twice in my DIL's '99 RX in the last 10 years, the last time being this week. I purchased it online for $12.48 plus $5. shipping, I believe. It was a beautiful product and other than the price and the fact EVERYTHING we buy now is made in China, you would never have known, but I found the little "Made in China" sticker on it when I went to install it. But really a flawless product. I have had to remove and take apart the Antenna motor housing both times to remove the broken piece of nylon gear strip.

This is one source and they claim to be OEM and the picture does appear to be. Price is $24.95 plus $5. shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...ht_4959wt_1167

This is the one I used. http://cgi.ebay.com/Lexus-RX300-RX-3...ht_5661wt_1256

 

Its funny, The replacement I also bought off E-Bay (50.00!) claimed to be OEM with the regular Toyota packaging, then the package says made in Mexico!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I took mine apart recently,(3rd time replacing!) and discovered my plastic spurr gears were stripped!
-Another E-Bay purchase claiming OEM (also made in Mexico!) for $155.00 for the whole unit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...%3AMEWAX%3AVRI

Whats with the OEM "made in Mexico stuff"!?!?

Seem that Japan is now outsourcing to Mexico!
-Good for them, I guess....

 

The nylon gear strip broke on my 200 RX300 a couple of years ago and I had to remove and disassemble the antenna control unit to replace the mast. A little WD-40 or something similar goes a long way in keeping the mast in excellent working order. I was able to purchase a new mast from eBay and replace it. There is a write-up on the forum on removing the trunk liner and antenna drive assembly to replace the antenna mast. If you can not locate the thread just Google RX300 antenna replacement. Make sure the antenna works correctly before you replace all the panels you had to remove for access. Keeps from having to open everything up a second time.

 

Barry- that antenna does indeed look exactly like the antenna that I took out (which was an OEM Lexus antenna because I put that in last time) right down to the white "O" ring and the white upper seal and the antenna tip. Toyota (read Lexus) does have a lot of parts made here and probably more in Mexico and Canada now rather than making all of them in Japan and having them shipped here. I think GENERALLY Toyota is very particular about a supplier precisely meeting their specs and rejecting them if they don't, than our own American car companies have ever been. The last timing belt that I bought for my DIL's RX, from the local Toyota dealer was definitely a Toyota part in Toyota packaging and Toyota parts tag, but right on the belt says "Toyota + part # & Made in USA".

 

Hi code58,

I was looking for some comment as to whether the "O" ring on the original antenna would be white or black, as I now see both online advertised as OEM 86337-24340. I came across your comment above. I have a 2006 Lexus SC 430, and was hoping to find the closest to original OEM as possible for the antenna mast replacement.

Thanks,
Andrew

 

We have not seen any posts from "code58" in a while.

I have owned 95SC400 and the antenna on that model was very different from any other vehicle. ... it would adjust the extended length based on the radio station that you tune to.

Your best chances of getting any advice would be to post in the SC model forum, as most likely you are not the only one who has run into the same issue.

Salim

 

Salim,
Thank you for the response. I did more reading and have my antenna orders, let's hope it's what they advertise.
Andrew