300CE – W124 Hirschman Power Aerial problems

[BillN_33]

300CE – W124 Hirschman Power Aerial problems

Problems with the electric Aerial on the 300CE that I have just acquired

The mast was firmly “stuck” and had corroded at the base.

Questions

I realise that the post can be replaced as a genuine mast can be purchased for £22 off EBay, and that this is usually the main problem.

But are there any other problems that occur with the unit.

I have tried to test, (electrically), the unit for movement but have yet to be successful as the PO had a complex sony stereo system fitted , (now removed), and there are wires all over the place.

Is it worth repairing?

Any advice that you can give will be much appreciated

Cheers

 

[teddycatkin]

Having been through similar problems many times --in the end its worth paying a bit extra for a complete new unit --they can be found as you say on Ebay and you will solve all the problems and have peace of mind. Hope this helps ?--Teddy

 

[White230CE]

Hi,

I'm just about to tackle the aerial replacement on my 230CE. Would either (or both!) of you be kind enough to explain how to do it please? Pics would be very helpful!

Thanks

Ray

 

[BillN_33]

It is easy to remove - very straightforward - just have a look at the fitting
10 mins maximum

Remove interior rear wing panel to get to the Aerial - just pulls away

Undo one "screw" that fixes the body to the interior bodywork
plus maybe a similar screw that holds the earth strap

pull off electrical connector

Then pull Aerial out, (down) from inside the rear wing - put it downwards

You may need to buy a new rubber grommet - £10 off EBay - two part set - one fits into hole in wing the other "on top" from outside to secure the mast in position

To fit a new one is the reverse - but you may wish to clean the hole, both surfaces, and maybe coat with grease or similar - as you know the hole is prone to rust and paintwork bubble, mine has....really annoying.....as it seems to happen on most W124s

Good luck......buy the genuine stuff.....have a search on EBay and compare prices with your MBZ dealer

 

[Dec]

You could remove the motor and put power to it directly from a battery charger while, at the same time, giving the motor gear a helping hand.
This should rule the motor in or out as the fault.

Dec

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Looking at the way you have separated the mast from main motor body, and the fact you have said the mast is stuck, you will have to remove the mast from the aluminium tube that the aerial plugs into as the new mast won,t be supplied with it. To do this undue the chrome nut on top of the mast this will separate the the mast from the tube.
Regarding testing, I very much doubt there will be anything else wrong with it, but you could just put 12v on the green and red motor cables.

 

[BillN_33]

Many thanks,

The end of the aluminium tube which the mast fits into has corroded - lots of white power and a small piece out of the bottom end, , maybe it is OK, as is the black rubber sleeve, (ring), that fits around the bottom of the tube to help secure it into the plastic body.

These was also a lot of "muck"(black dry grease?), and aluminium "corrosion" in the casing.........I will check the motor.....plus the different pricings, mast versus complete unit, but at the end of the day maybe a complete new unit is in order, (£80???).

Then I have to deal with the rust bubbles on the paintwork around the hole.........noticeable, but not too bad, certainly repairable at a £price.

Cheers

 

[television]

The rod sections are fitted with anti rattle shims that lock when it is extended fully, these corrode and cause the sections to stick, the miss match of metals causes the corrosion, if you try and oil them the oil gets onto the nylon cord and it skids, a limited life object

 

[BillN_33]

Thanks

Looks like the sensible option is a new complete unit

The one on the car a "K Reg" is probably original

 

[matsmith]

I have just replaced my mast and the grommet. I recommend getting the grommet for the dealer, it was only £6.75, a lot cheaper than eBay and genuine. It's a simple job and a finishing touch that has been long over due on mine.

 

[carloss]

A lot of the time the interlocking lug on one of the drive gears shear when the mast jams but you can purchase a rebuild kit for approx £24 delivered