Power Antenna Mast Removal

[Ronin1]

I have tried everything to remove the mast itself from the motor just like it says in the Haynes manual, the service manual and the online videos. The Mast doesn't want to release from the motor. I even tried pulling the entire motor out of the fender housing and still can not get it to release.... Noticed that when I pulled the retainer nut and outer housing off fender the plastic part rubber sheathing was still in the retainer nut (didn't know if that would cause an issue...
Does anyone have any idea's or clues of why it isn't releasing and how to get it to release?

[atraudes]

It's been a few years since I did mine so I'm not remembering as clearly as I'd like... You removed that top chrome nut that goes around the base of the antenna? There's two notches inside of it where you could use something like pliers to unscrew it. Also, have you opened up the housing? Is the white toothed gear tape thing disconnected from the motor yet?

[Ronin1]

Yes removed the retainer nut that is chrome. and the black housing that sits right below that. But I can' t get teh mast to slide up like it says in the manuals as the motor is pushing the mast to the extended position.... So, no I have not got the toothed tape out yet.

[Ronin1]

I should have sad I Can't get the mast to come out of the housing. the mast is bent and is why we are replacing it. The mast moves up and down as the stereo is turned on and off it just doesn't go the full distance due to the curve the whole antenna is in...

[atraudes]

I was able find this thread on the topic which should help. It sounds like you weren't the only one having this problem. I want to say mine was somewhat of a battle too. It looks like the best course of action would be to open the housing, cut the tape so the motor isn't damaged when you do finally rip it free, and give it a good pull from the top with some broad-faced pliers. Once the antenna's out, you should be able to pull the remainder of the tape out by hand.

[Ronin1]

Thanks I will take a look!

[MisterH]

I have tried everything to remove the mast itself from the motor just like it says in the Haynes manual, the service manual and the online videos. The Mast doesn't want to release from the motor. I even tried pulling the entire motor out of the fender housing and still can not get it to release.... Noticed that when I pulled the retainer nut and outer housing off fender the plastic part rubber sheathing was still in the retainer nut (didn't know if that would cause an issue...
Does anyone have any idea's or clues of why it isn't releasing and how to get it to release?

Mine was stuck and the plastic toothed rail was broken off on the inside about halfway down. Just remove the coverplate from the housing and it then you can remove the mast entirely.