my antenna sounds like a machine gun

the power antenna on my 91 Accord sounds like a machine gun when it is
turned off - a ratchety sound. It also goes down leaving a few inches
upright.

What do I do?

 

Common problem.
Replace extendable shaft.

 

thanx!!

 

You can either put an aftermarket replacement (stationary/non retractable)
or get the original replacement mast from the dealer. I replaced my own a
couple of years ago on the 92 Accord. I bought a special nut remover tool
to remove the antenna assy from the rear fender, then disassembled. You
will find broken off teeth laying inside from the original mast. You'll
want to remove any loose debris inside so as to not interfere with the new
replacement mast. The original mast has a long tooth drive cable that
coils and uncoils and is driven by two different size round gears. They in
turn are driven by a motor using a worm type gear. The P/N for my 92 was
39152-SM4-A03 (mast assy 4454583) at about $50.00.
Can't remember price of nut remover socket... Good Luck and HTH...

 

thanks.

I saw on ebay folks selling aftermarket masts, and they are around $20.
Are these the ones to buy, or does the local Autozone have equivalent
shafts?

 

the power antenna on my 91 Accord sounds like a machine gun when it is

Simple, the antenna is bent. Just straighten it.





How to turn off 'Maintenance Required" light:

1. Hold trip/reset button on dash
2. Turn key to "ON" or start engine
3. Hold button til light goes out

 

You can use an aftermarket mast if the dimensions are the same and the knob
on the end matches. AutoZone and some of the others stock some replacement
masts. Check with them & see if they have the one you need. Make sure it
says OEM replacement though, or it won't work right.

 

My '94 INtetgra does the same thing. Seems to be caused by crud on the
telescoping parts. Clean and lub will restore for a while. I do it several
times a year. Or replace, as others said.