2001 QX4 Power Antenna Mast Replacement

[NorcalQX4]

I replaced the antenna mast and relubed the gear assembly of my power antenna unit on my 2001 QX4.

I took some pics of the gear assembly in case anyone needs to know what the assembly looks like.

Here is the link to the pics: http://imgur.com/a/yeC8E

I purchased a new aftermarket antenna mast on Ebay for about $13. However, I recommend buying an OEM mast because I had to make a small modification to the aftermarket mast to get it to work. I don't think saving the money on an aftermarket mast is worth it. The part number for the OEM mast is 282159B000 and it costs about $34 at the online Infiniti parts websites.

Basically, this is a very easy job. First, I unscrewed the threaded round retainer on top of the fender that prevents the mast from being withdrawn from the power unit. I used some pliers and a rag to unscrew the retainer so I did not mar the finish. I then pulled the old antenna mast out. My old antenna mast plastic cable was broken and the entire mast came out easily.

Then, I removed six of the phillips head screws from the fender wheel well liner, starting at the arch, which allowed me to bend the liner enough to get access to the power antenna and unbolt it. It is held on a bracket with one 10mm bolt. A long extension makes the job of removing the bolt very easy.

It is not necessary to unplug the power antenna. I just let mine hang by the cable while I worked on it. It would probably be better practice to tie it off, but mine did not suffer any ill effects from letting it hang.

The power unit cover is held on with seven small gold screws. After removing the screws and the cover, the gear assembly can be removed, cleaned and lubricated. I used white lithium grease to relube the gears.

After reinstalling the cover and the six screws, my wife turned the radio on and I waited until the power unit motor quit running. Then, I inserted the white plastic cable of the new mast into the unit with the teeth oriented so that the teeth face towards the back of the car when the unit would be installed. Wifey then turned the radio off and the new mast retracted into the power unit assembly.

I then reinstalled the power unit assembly with the 10mm bolt, reinstalled the fender wheel well liner screws and screwed the threaded retainer back on to the part of the power unit assembly that sticks up through the fender.

The entire job took about an hour.

[MisterH]

Thanks so much for providing such detailed instructions. I have to do the same thing next week. I too purchased a $12 aftermarket mast so what was different about it and the OEM?

[sonnyc]

I need to do this for my 99 Pathfinder too. I need to pull it out to see if it's the mast's teeth that is worn out or the big gear. The motor makes noise but it wouldn't retract.

[jiannichan]

I want to replace my antenna because I don't like the power one. I'd just like a static one that is a miniature, like the Stubby. I got one of those for the Toyota Sienna and think it is great. Not really easy trying to find that kind of replacement.

[NorcalQX4]

Thanks so much for providing such detailed instructions. I have to do the same thing next week. I too purchased a $12 aftermarket mast so what was different about it and the OEM?

Your quite welcome. I hope it is helpful.

The aftermarket mast that I purchased had a brass ridge on the bottom of the mast that did not allow it to go through the opening on the power unit. I used a file and sandpaper to grind it down until the mast slid easily into the opening. The original mast did not have the ridge. Not a big deal, but it wasn't worth not just buying the OEM mast in my opinion. The aftermarket mast does work perfectly.

[MisterH]

Finally got it done and thanks for the tip on filing down that ridge before trying to install. Went in correct the first try.