Is changing a broken power antenna a do it yourself job?
I have a 1990 Mercedes 300E with a broken antenna. It's a power antenna and I am told that the ENTIRE unit (motor and antenna) must be changed (not just the antenna). If I get original manufacturer's equipment (not an after market substitute which may or may not fit), can a DIYer (me) do the work? What tools will I need? Thanks.
Comments
Replace it with a manual antenna, you'll save quite a bit on the part. Wrench, pliers maybe a screwdriver. An inexpensive fix will work just as well.
I would think that a power antenna for your car might cost more than 280. for the part. If you just need the mast the part would be 40. That is without labor.
I do not think it is a DIY job. I just had mine changed about two months ago and it required the removal of my right front wheel and tire assembly and incurred at least 3 hours of labor. It is difficult to get to the antenna motor in many cars. It is nowhere as easy as the regular hand-operated antennas. I have a Mitsubishi Montero Sport and I can imagine the complexities of fixing one in a nice car like a Mercedes. A good place to take it is an auto sound shop. Don't go to a dealer for that.
How handy are you? If you can turn a wrench and a screwdriver, you MIGHT be able to do it yourself. You're probably going to need at set of metric socket wrenches, a screwdriver and maybe a wire stripper (when in doubt, ask at a dealer's shop). I'd go ahead and buy the new unit, open the box(es) that it comes in, and look at the parts before deciding if I was capable of changing it myself. You also have to consider the location of the antenna; is it behind a panel or under the fender where it is impossible to remove it conveniently? Ask questions at the local audio installation place or call Crutchfield (1-888-955-6000 or visit their website at www.crutchfield.com. Good luck!
you should be able to do this job without any problems ,and you was told right, the whole assembly has to be replaced,you,ll also need a few screwdrivers,and a small socket set also,take your time with it,and when you get to it remember how many screws there are that holds it on,there will also be a wiring harness that has to be disconnected on it,and the antenna wire also has to be disconnected,put everything back as it came off,and it should work fine,good luck with it hope this helps.
IT IS FAIRLY SIMPLE IF YOU HAVE THE PATIENCE AND IF YOU REALLY HAVE PATIENCE YOU CAN USE AN AFTERMARKET ANTENNA ASSEMBLY.
THE AFTERMARKET ANTENNAS WILL WORK AS LONG AS YOU GET THE SAME STYLE, LIKE WHAT IS NOW ON THAT VEHICLE AND IT SHOULD HAVE A FULLY AUTOMATIC ANTENNA.
THERE REALLY ARE NO SPECIAL TOOLS NEEDED JUST REMOVE THE OUTSIDE FENDER NUT AND THE COMPLETE ASSEMBLY AND INSTALL THE NEW ANTENNA AND REWIRE, I BELIEVE YOU WILL HAVE THREE WIRES.
1. HOT
2. GROUND
3. RADIO POWER WITH KEY
Both preceding answers are apt. My advice: inspect things to find out how the thing is installed, and how to get at it. If it is reasonably accessible, go for it. You may be able to get a replacement at an auto graveyard; it will cost a lot less than a new one.
I would replace it one that didn't need to move up and down. The car is a 1990, that is 17 yrs old.
i think so, if you have the skills to turn a socket set and can follow the set of instruction it should not be hard.check with a local parts store and they will give you some tips to make it a quick job.
only complete antenna assembly just the power antenna mast only if your mechanicly inclined
Shouldn't be any problem. Just look at it closely before you remove the old one and then install the new one exactly like the old one was installed. Pops