What to clean and lube the antenna mast with?

[Ascension]

Finally got the radio keys today then ran the SN with Becker got the code and the system came right up. Antenna when it extended was filthy with dried gunk crusted all over it at the mast joints and looked like it hadn't been turned on and extended in quite a while till today. I took a cloth soaked with some real military grade CLR I had on hand and cleaned the mast well. Anything that is needed as a lube on these and any maintenance that may need to be done with the rest of the unit?

 

[500AMM]

Dust and fossiled lubrication is the killer of the teleskopic function, so the very best would be to keep the antenna completely dry to avoid collecting dust. But it will be some water intrusion along the stem, so it is hard to avoid dust and dirt anyway.

I have rescued stuck antennas a couple of times, and I always add some thin lube like WD40 etc.. during the process to loosen up and get it moving. Afterwards I dry away as much as possible of the WD40 because it's not the best lube, but the remaining will help against water intrusion.

A mix of thin oil and silicon would be good, so I've aslo used the thinnest chain oil for mountain bikes, which is a bit water repellent.

-a-

 

[mistermiata]

I used bicycle chain lube which is designed to lubricate but not attract dirt/dust etc. I cleaned the antenna first with WD40 to remove all the accumulated gunk.

 

[samiam44]

you can buy Teflon spray lubricant too.

I've used WD40 many times.

 

[gerryvz]

Becker North America carries the little gray foil packets of Antenna cleaner/lube, which come from Hirschmann. These are small packets that you rip the ends off of, and then place over the antenna. The inside of the foil packet is lined with cleaner/lube and you run it up and down the extended mast.

The cleaning procedure is to have a partner in the car who can operate the radio, and extend the mast up and down about 10 or 12 times and clean it with the cleaner.

These Hirschmann cleaner packets are also available on eBay from a couple of vendors.

I have a few left that I obtained about 10 years ago from my friends at Becker. I need to order some more. I try to clean my masts about quarterly, but no fewer than two times per year. If you do this then it considerably extends the life of the mast - it's one of the most basic preventative maintenance items you can do, and yet is almost completely overlooked by most owners. Make it part of your maintenance regimen every time you change the oil, and you won't have mast issues for the most part.

Bicycle chain lube probably isn't a bad idea, but when I've not used the Hirschmann cleaning pads, I've always used the lube called "Tri-Flow" which is excellent for this type of job. You can get Tri-Flow at many auto parts stores, and quite often at bicycle shops. It's also available at Amazon.com. I use it as a general household lube for lubricating door locks, door hinges in my house, and so forth. Never found anything better.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Gerry


Amazon link to Tri-Flow: http://www.amazon.com/Tri-Flow-Aero...=UTF8&qid=1408456843&sr=8-5&keywords=Tri-Flow

eBay link to Hirschmann cleaning pads: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Po...Parts_Accessories&hash=item35d9fc660b&vxp=mtr

 

[mistermiata]

Thanks for the link to the Hirschmann cleaning pads/lube Gerry. Can't go wrong for the $12 they are charging. I just ordered, I will use my chain lube on my bike chain from now on....

 

[Ascension]

Dust and fossiled lubrication is the killer of the teleskopic function, so the very best would be to keep the antenna completely dry to avoid collecting dust. But it will be some water intrusion along the stem, so it is hard to avoid dust and dirt anyway.

I have rescued stuck antennas a couple of times, and I always add some thin lube like WD40 etc.. during the process to loosen up get it moving. Afterwards I dry away as much as possible of the WD40 because it's not the best lube, but the remaining will help against water intrusion.

A mix of thin oil and silicon would be good, so I've aslo used the thinnest chain oil for mountain bikes, which is a bit water repellent.

-a-

What I used might be a really good product for this then as it was real military issue CLP ( Cleaner Lube Protectant). Stuff has a solvent to clean then penetrates and lubes before it dries to a hard protective dry lube coating. Just need to make sure you use gloves when using it as it will irritate skin! I also have some real military issue Break Free on hand that also dries to a hard dry lube after it is applied. My son works for General Dynamics in Tac Ordnance so the stuff we have is not the off the shelf commercial version but the real deal issued by the military and designed for cleaning and lubing weapons in combat.
This is what we have a case of in the military issue gallon jugs.
http://www.g96.com/products/military-approved-synthetic-clp-gun-oil/

 

[gerryvz]

I've used WD40 many times.

WD-40 should NEVER NEVER NEVER be used to lubricate antenna masts.

It is a common misperception that WD-40 is a lubricant. Rather, it is a protectant and mild penetrant that REMOVES lubricant from surfaces it touches.

The "WD" in "WD-40" stands for Water Displacement formula #40. It was designed as a surface protectant to keep items from rusting/corroding. I use WD-40 very very infrequently these days. A much better surface protectant is "Boeshield T-9," which is an aviation-grade metal protectant and lubricant that was developed in the 1960s by the Boeing Company.

Link to Boeshield T-9: http://www.amazon.com/Boeshield-Cor...UTF8&qid=1408462389&sr=8-1&keywords=Boeshield

Boeshield web site: http://boeshield.com/

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[Klink]

WD-40 should NEVER NEVER NEVER be used to lubricate antenna masts.

It is a common misperception that WD-40 is a lubricant. Rather, it is a protectant and mild penetrant that REMOVES lubricant from surfaces it touches.

The "WD" in "WD-40" stands for Water Displacement formula #40. It was designed as a surface protectant to keep items from rusting/corroding. I use WD-40 very very infrequently these days. A much better surface protectant is "Boeshield T-9," which is an aviation-grade metal protectant and lubricant that was developed in the 1960s by the Boeing Company.

Link to Boeshield T-9: http://www.amazon.com/Boeshield-Cor...UTF8&qid=1408462389&sr=8-1&keywords=Boeshield

Boeshield web site: http://boeshield.com/

Cheers,
Gerry

WD-40 treats European elastomers (that's rubbers and plastics) just like OJ treated Nicole!!!

If it isn't bare metal, don't get WD-40 near it if it's on your MB. For something just like WD-40 that tends to not destroy stuff on our cars, try CRC brand "Power Lube" or "556".

 

[jhodg5ck]

I'm a big fan of Wurth's HHS....works Great.....

 

[doolar]

I only use alcohol on a rag to clean the antenna. No lubricant at all applied. The mast is supposed to be clean, not greasy. Have used the Hirschmann wipes, actually bought from Woodys which is a great Ebayer btw, but the wipes seems to be merely wipes with alcohol on them. The grease tube in that kit from Woodys is for the internals of the antenna IIRC, not needed that often.

 

[gerryvz]

There is a light lubrication in the Hirschmann wipes; it's not just alcohol.

 

[Klink]

There is a light lubrication in the Hirschmann wipes; it's not just alcohol.

The Hirschman wipes are a cleaner and a lubricant. The best thing about them is that unlike so many of the general purpose lubricants we've all mentioned here, the chemicals in the Hirschman wipes do not attack plastics. I have long thought that one of the reasons that nylon gear rope of the mast gets brittle and breaks is the plastic unfriendly lubricants and cleaners that seep down inside it. I'm sure that a number of people still have the original tri-band style antennas in their cars, and I can report that some of the more unfriendly cleaners and lubricants will attack that plastic upper section and swell it causing it to jam in the metal tube section below it. The wipes are cheap and easy. I could make a joke here, but I'm not going to, just to be that way.

 

[Ascension]

WD-40 treats European elastomers (that's rubbers and plastics) just like OJ treated Nicole!!!

If it isn't bare metal, don't get WD-40 near it if it's on your MB. For something just like WD-40 that tends to not destroy stuff on our cars, try CRC brand "Power Lube" or "556".

AGREED ON WD40! It has it's place but is REALLY hard on some plastics and is not that great as a pure lubricant.
The stuff I used on the other hand is a very high tec product now being used by the US military as an all purpose weapons cleaner, lube and metal protector for combat in the field. This stuff should work REALLY well in this situation! Just wear gloves and understand it REALLY stinks!
From the manufacturer.

• Cleaner: Significantly improves clean up after firing.
• Lubricant: Original tolerances will be maintained longer under extreme conditions
• Preservative: Unique combination of additives protect and bond to metal yet it is safer for the environment than most other additives.
• Safe for use on polymers.

The being safe for polymers is the really important thing here to know for us!

 

[500AMM]

Here is some pics of my rescue process of a stuck antenna. The image with the plier below the knob is a demo only, I kept a thick rag between the plier and knob to prevent scratches. I soaked the stem with WD40 and wrapped it in a plastic bag to let it work for 24 hours. Then I carefully start pulling the stem until I could notice a small movement, and worked from there. It took some time and I had to pull quite hard, but it will come loose.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to not push/compress the teleskopic stem - only pull!!
They do easily bend and break, and if they get bent you have a looong practice to straighten it.
The teleskopic do neither move freely unless the gear mechanism is disconnected - don't even try!

I applied some thin grease on the small internals, but nothing on the plastic parts. I did also clean the el.motor gears and terminals, added some heavier grease on the el.motor gears, and a good dash with CRC 2-26 on the electronics.

 

[mistermiata]

So I got this eBay kit with the foil packets for cleaning the mast. I'm assuming the tube of "Auto-Antennenfett" is the lubricant. Any trick to applying the lube? No one mentioned it specifically in this thread.

Thanks!

 

[DerFuror]

Any trick to applying the lube? No one mentioned it specifically in this thread.

http://www.w124performance.com/service/w124CD1/Program/Maintenance/My81/8231.pdf

 

[mistermiata]

Thanks DerFuror, but I'm still confused ......what am I doing will the tube of lube that came in my "kit" Do I squirt it in the foil packet?

 

[7delta]

For those who are using Milspec CLP it will be imparative that you wipe the mast dry after use. It will collect dust dirt and grime if left wet. It is a great product for what is was "designed/engineered for. Antenna masts are not in a high cyclical operation in extreme environments( BTDT).
Dont get me wrong, It will clean and lubricate. But wipe it dry or it will collect dust.
Cheers


Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Klink]

The grease in the tube is actually for the internal bits of the antenna motor assembly. You will not be using that unless you are disassembling or assembling the complete antenna motor. There's probably enough in that tube to do a couple hundred antennas. What one really needs for routine maintenance is a bunch of those wipes. The grease, not so much...

 

[mistermiata]

Thanks Klink. That's the answer I was looking for. Keep up the good work!!

 

[R129 UK]

Any tips for freeing up a stuck mast?

Mine has 1 section near the base end that won't extend when the radio is powered up, it has been like this since I bought my car in 2022.

After removing from the car, I tried putting the "mushroom" end overhanging the jaws of a vice and gently pulling to see it if would free up but it didn't move easily.

It is an original Hirschmann with the code 04 on the top of the mushroom like the image below so worth trying to save I think.

 

[gerryvz]

You could use some penetrating oil such as Kroil or Liquid Wrench, but my experience is that when a mast is really stuck, there’s not much you can do other then replace it.

Another option would be to remove and disassemble the antenna, open it up and remove the mast, and try to extend and exercise and lubricate it on the bench.

But ultimately, I think you’re looking at a Hirschmann replacement.

 

[R129 UK]

You could use some penetrating oil such as Kroil or Liquid Wrench, but my experience is that when a Sat is really stuck, there’s not much you can do other then replace it.

Another option would be to remove and disassemble the antenna, open it up and remove the mas, and try to extend and exercise and lubricste it on the bench.

But ultimately, I think you’re looking at a Hirschmann replacement.

Thanks Gerry, I’m in no rush so happy to try a few things to get this freed off.

One thing to try is using a collet in a lathe after other attempts using penetrating oil and a little brute force have been exhausted.

Hirschmann replacements don’t seem to be commonly available on this side of the pond.


It took quite a few message back and forth to establish this is NOT a Hirschmann mast despite the words suggesting otherwise:

R129 W124 W140 W201-190E Automatic Antenna Hirschmann Telescope A2018270001

R129 W124 W140 W201-190E Automatic Antenna Hirschmann Telescope The product is in exchangeable condition, and based on our experience, owners of vehicles

octoclassic.com

R129 W124 W140 W201-190E Automatic Antenna Hirschmann (not a Hirschmann / MB part) Telescope​

£20.00​

​

The product is in exchangeable condition (no idea what this even means), and based on our experience, owners of vehicles from the R129, W124, W140, and W201-190E series often encounter issues with the original antenna. We recommend considering a replacement with our product to ensure smooth antenna operation. Our exchange (ok, I think they mean aftermarket replacement) products undergo thorough checks to guarantee high quality and reliability. Please contact us for more information and to order a new antenna, addressing potential troubles associated with the original item.​

OEM serial number: A2018270001 (not the part number of the replacement offered)​

​

– EU product​

– Shipping from the EU​

– MPN/OEM serial number: A2018270001 (not the part number of the replacement offered)​

​

I have added further info from Octoclassic in red above to clarify which is based on the emails exchanged with Kamil. ​

 

[gerryvz]

I would infer from that that they "exchange" your existing mast with a refurbished Hirschmann factory mast.

Did they say outright that their masts are aftermarket replacements? It still is not clear to me.

 

[gsxr]

Did they say outright that their masts are aftermarket replacements? It still is not clear to me.

For £20, they are selling cheap aftermarket replacements, while attempting to hide this fact.

 

[TerryA]

E-Bay has lots of refurbished? Hirshmen’s antennas for sale between about $150 & $250. Plus parts.

 

[R129 UK]

I would infer from that that they "exchange" your existing mast with a refurbished Hirschmann factory mast.

Did they say outright that their masts are aftermarket replacements? It still is not clear to me.

Sadly not.

For £20, they are selling cheap aftermarket replacements, while attempting to hide this fact.

Sadly this.

I’m travelling on business atm but will update with a transcribe of the comms I had with Octoclassic when I get chance.

I was really surprised with how they are marketing these masts!!

 

[gerryvz]

I don't have major qualms about using an aftermarket antenna mast, though I've never needed to use one. I still have the original mast on my E500, and have a couple of NOS Hirschmann spares for my 560SEC, in my parts stock. For the G-wagen, I replaced the antenna with a slightly shorter unit I purchased new from MB, which was originally designed for the second-generation SLK. Works a treat and it's not nearly as tall as the original G-wagen unit.

 

[500AMM]

Any tips for freeing up a stuck mast?

Mine has 1 section near the base end that won't extend when the radio is powered up, it has been like this since I bought my car in 2022.

After removing from the car, I tried putting the "mushroom" end overhanging the jaws of a vice and gently pulling to see it if would free up but it didn't move easily.

It is an original Hirschmann with the code 04 on the top of the mushroom like the image below so worth trying to save I think.

I've described how I solved this in post #15 above. If you haven't disassembled the gear mechanism freeing up the toothed nylon string already, that is the way to start. It is impossible to move the antenna mast manually up/down without doing that first.

 

[R129 UK]

I've described how I solved this in post #15 above. If you haven't disassembled the gear mechanism freeing up the toothed nylon string already, that is the way to start. It is impossible to move the antenna mast manually up/down without doing that first.

The mast is removed from the motor unit (I'm not 100% sure of the naming convention of these parts) it came straight out after removing the retaining part with a 13mm spanner. The issue is that all the sections except 1 will expand and retract in use and I would like to free up the final section so that the mast fully extends as it looks better.

I'm tempted to dunk it in a tube shaped container of oil or something to give it a chance to get fully lubricated.

 

[R129 UK]

I’m travelling on business atm but will update with a transcribe of the comms I had with Octoclassic when I get chance.

@gerryvz as promised:

Me: Please see highlighted below some questions based on the unusual words - are these items OEM? Are they used? What guarantee is provided? Why do I need to contact you prior to purchase? Why is serial number mentioned rather than part number? The whole description seems like it is AI generated.

"The product is in exchangeable condition, and based on our experience, owners of vehicles from the R129, W124, W140, and W201-190E series often encounter issues with the original antenna. We recommend considering a replacement with our product to ensure smooth antenna operation. Our exchange products undergo thorough checks to guarantee high quality and reliability. Please contact us for more information and to order a new antenna, addressing potential troubles associated with the original item. OEM serial number: A2018270001."

Kamil (Octoclassic): Below are the answers:
- spare part
- new part
- 1 month warranty
- you can contact us before purchase, but you don't have to if you know everything
- we always give the OEM part number, not the sales numbers of the replacements, we rely on the original Mercedes documentation


Me: Thanks Kamil, can you confirm this part is manufactured by Hirschmann?

Kamil (Octoclassic): This is not manufactured by Mercedes or Hirschmann, it is a spare part.

 

[gsxr]

definition of "spare part" seems nebulous-ish.

 

[500AMM]

The mast is removed from the motor unit (I'm not 100% sure of the naming convention of these parts) it came straight out after removing the retaining part with a 13mm spanner. The issue is that all the sections except 1 will expand and retract in use and I would like to free up the final section so that the mast fully extends as it looks better.

I'm tempted to dunk it in a tube shaped container of oil or something to give it a chance to get fully lubricated.

AFAIK the material in the mast doesn't rust, to me it looks like brass with chrome. It get stucked due to old/waxed lube, fine dust and oxidation over time. Yes, soak it in WD40 or something similar with penetrating properties and it should loosen up, you just have to give it some time.

As for the spare part from that vendor, 1 month warranty, just one month?!? What a fu... joke, that is top level chinese garbage - don't waste money on that. If your rescue don't succeed, find another used mast/antenna and try over again. The OE ones last for decades, actually with a minimum of care.

 

[R129 UK]

AFAIK the material in the mast doesn't rust, to me it looks like brass with chrome. It get stucked due to old/waxed lube, fine dust and oxidation over time. Yes, soak it in WD40 or something similar with penetrating properties and it should loosen up, you just have to give it some time.

As for the spare part from that vendor, 1 month warranty, just one month?!? What a fu... joke, that is top level chinese garbage and don't waste money on that. If your rescue don't succeed, find another used mast/antenna and try over again. The OE ones last for decades, actually with a minimum of care.

Yes, it came loose with a collet in the lathe, I think it was just a bit crusty due mainly to lack of use.

It has unfortunately come apart a bit more than intended but hopefully still salvageable

I bought something else from Octoclassic recently and nearly added one of these masts to my basket as it was a suggestion based on what I had already selected but decided against it which I'm glad of because their marketing and as you mention, warranty is a complete joke.