I just removed my old power atenna mast which had a broken cable. I have a new OEM mast and cable but I can't seem to get it to engage the motor spool to wind it back on. I inserted the cable to the bottom of the motor with teeth facing the rear of the truck. Then I turned the ignition swith to lock which causes the motor to run, supposidly winding the cable on the spool. I hear the motor running and the spool gears trying to engage the cable but nadda.

Any tips for those of you who have done this before? Do you think my motor spool gears are stripped? If so can I just buy a new spool or do I have to buy a whole new motor?

Cheers.

 

I dont recall the direction you want the teeth to face but what I did was turn ignition on then radio on antenna it pushed everything up and out(hopefully broken pieces) then I have someone turn radio off as I feed antenna mast back in. If it doesnt feed one way turn teeth other way 180.
Will also bet if you do a search you will find the answer to the direction of the teeth direction.

 

Unbelievable, such an easy suggestion and it worked. My Chilton's manual said to face the teeth toward the rear of the truck. I didnt even think to to question them and try facing the cable the other way. I think I should get a Haynes manual instead.

Thanks for your suggestion WT.

 

hey islander, where did you buy the mast and cable? I think my just broke, my motor just keeps running. how much was it? thanks!

ishinc

 

Not to bash islanders idea, but I just ripped out all the old power antenna junk and put in a Tacoma Whip antenna...10000000x better! You can go on trail rides listenin to your music and not worry about a branch snapping your nice new power antenna. If you're not into off-roading and its a street rig and you just wanna spend the money on the power antenna, go to a junkyard (although the most common thing that breaks on 4Runners atleast that I've seen are the stupid antenna masts) or you can go straight to Toyota.

Fink

 

I got mine from my local dealer. The cost was $31. You can probably get an aftermarket cheaper but the nylon cable may be a different length. Its extremely easy to replace. My cable broke near the mast base so I ended up having to open up the motor to get the remaining broken piece of cable. The two references I used were:

To Repace the Mast

To Access the Antenna Motor - Also shows you how to replace the power antenna with a Tacoma whip.

 

LOL glad it all worked out, haven't you learned to not always trust what you read . Well except here

 

Did you get the broke peice of cable out of the motor?

 

Me too! Total cost was about $40 from Toyotaparts4U for the assembly and the black Taco antenna. I also ordered 11 fender liner push-in mounts because I just knew that I would break a bunch of them during the R&R; I was right!

Be sure to specify black if you want black. If you order the taco antenna assembly only, the cost is reduced because it comes with a silver antenna. But I hate silver, so I bought the black.