Howto-Install aerial mast

[twice]

I have just changed mine using original Hirschmann part. Costed ~14GBP from a local independent MB parts shop.

 

[BTB 500]

Mrs BTB somehow managed to bend the mast on my R129 last week, so I'll be needing this very useful thread soon!

 

[gurpz]

Hi pluggers this is a question for you really others may help also. I had the same antenna problem on my W202 where it stoped going up, looked at your how to guide on your website, bought a new one genuine hirschmann and fitted it. It works PERFECT now BUT ive greased it also to prevent it from going bad. Was this a bad move or a good move ?

 

[Will]

Hi pluggers this is a question for you really others may help also. I had the same antenna problem on my W202 where it stoped going up, looked at your how to guide on your website, bought a new one genuine hirschmann and fitted it. It works PERFECT now BUT ive greased it also to prevent it from going bad. Was this a bad move or a good move ?

Bit of both really - depends on what you've greased it with

Trouble with grease is that it can attract dirt which wears it out quicker and can cause it to stick, I normally find that it's best to keep it very lightly lubricated with something like a silicone oil, but clean it often

HTH,

Will

 

[pluggers]

I wouldn't recommend greasing the mast as Will says "its attracts dirt" Which is a bad thing.What I used to do was wipe it every week when I washed the car,then every so often get a rag with some methylated spirits on and just give it a quick wipe over.

 

[LastMinute]

If you're really enthusiastic you could get some Hirschmann aerial cleaning tissues.

 

[BTB 500]

Yup a wipe with meths. now and again is perfect, unless you want to buy the official cleaning wipes. Forget any kind of grease/oil/lubricant.

I've been flying r/c planes for 30+ years, the transmitters use a standard telescopic antenna ... which is a safety-critical item there!

 

[BTB 500]

Just did my aerial ... 5 minute job, managed it solo since OH is out riding.

The mast (Hirschmann code 4 for my R129) cost the princely sum of £18.42 incl. VAT from local M-B dealer - not worth shopping around at that price, IMO.

 

[Bri957]

Excellent guide.

Does anyone know if I can get a replacement bosch mast from the dealership?

Cheers Bri

 

[gurpz]

Its a genuine Hirschmann replacement mast that can be bought from the dealers not a Bosch one.

 

[Bri957]

Aye, but some were fitted with bosch aerials at the factory.

Hence why I wondered if they were also available from the parts desk.

Cheers Bri

 

[gurpz]

Im not aware of any Bosch masts , but no harm in asking the parts desk if your after a Bosch one

 

[arosamond]

thanks to the information on this thread I was able to remove my aerial mast and with 10 mins work and some wd40 manged to fix it.

once the mast was out I held it upside down and squirted a load of wd40 into it, left it 5 mins and then went to work on loossening the section up using pliers and dishcloths I was able to twist the sections using very slight pressure on the pliers. once they were free I lubed them up with light machine oil and refitted the mast. For now it works perfectly!

beats watching heartbeat!:bannana:

 

[OzC36]

I bought my replacement aerial from Car-masts-uk in Chelmsford UK for 22 Pounds. Email: enigma@gmail.com to ensure the correct part number.

As mentioned above, the colour (chrome or black) plus the tiny inscription on the tip identifies the part.

 

[AlphaRomeo]

Really good post , well planning to do same in my E220.

 

[darkchild101]

Really simple job to do.Start with the mast cheap enough from the dealers.

Only tool needed is an open ended 13mm spanner,
Start off by having an assistant switch on the radio so the mast goes up as far as it can.Then undo the top nut with the spanner.

It will look like this when undone.

Get your assistant to switch off the radio so the mast goes down about halfway then get them to switch it back on, so the mast goes back up,be ready to catch it as it comes out,Take note which way the teeth are facing on the plastic rod.(facing towards the rear on mine)

Your new mast is ready to install.Push the plastic rod into the hole with the teeth facing the rear of the car.

Get your assistant to switch off the radio,so you can push gently on the mast so it goes in and locates on the geared drive and starts to retract.When it goes in you can then start tightening the new nut up and then finish off with the 13mm spanner.

Job successfully done

Thank you very much sir. Broke my mast at a car wash this is very helpful

 

[219]

Aye, but some were fitted with bosch aerials at the factory.

Hence why I wondered if they were also available from the parts desk.

Cheers Bri

There were also BERU branded ones .

GSF still do the complete BERU aerial for around £58