Barry O

I've searched everywhere and can't find any mention of lubrication or silicon on the antenna mast. My antenna has started to slow down and occassionally gets stuck so I cleaned it with WD 40 and it works much better. Does anybody know if there is some type of lubricant we are supposed to use on it.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

cliffyk

The Workshop Information System (WIS) has a document describing periodic cleaning of the antenna mast with a light lubricant, and then "wiping it dry with a clean cloth". No mention of any lubricant, which would most likely trap dust and grime and just make things worse.

Even most so-called "dry" lubricants can clump up and gather crap.

All that said, I use a product called Super Slick Slick Stuff (SSSS)
it is the best product I have fouind for things like antenna mast.

It is not petroleum based, is greaseless and does not buld up. Every six months or so spray some on a rag and celan the mast leaving just a very thin layer of the SSSS behind...

Barry O

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Lee Wireless

Hirschmann (OEM) sells a cleaner/
lubricant especially made for their antenna masts. It's packaged in a container that looks like a hand wipe you get in a BBQ restaurant to clean your hands. It is NOT oil based. They do not recommend oil based lubricant because it attracts dirt.

Barry O

Thanks. Any idea who carries the Hirschmann product?

cliffyk

I saw them someplace a year or so ago, they were ridiculously priced IIRC when you can get a whole can of "non-petroleum based" SSSS for $8 or so--paper towels are cheap too...

Lee Wireless

All over eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Power-El...-/231511635732

Made in Germany
The following is information from Hirschmann:
"The mast must be cleaned periodically just as changing engine oil is part of vehicle maintenance. The build up of dirt and grime may cause the mast to stick and/or affect the internal components of the antenna."
These are the only lubricants and cleaners approved by Hirschmann.
Do not use graphite lubricants and products like WD-40 or 3-in-1 Oil as they break down the grease used to lubricate the motor and mast.

Barry O

Thanks