Re: 1999 Saab 9-3 Radio Antenna broken

A replacement mast is $11-$13. If you can operate a pair of pliers, it's a
simple 5-minute DIY job. From the 9-3 FAQ:

How do I replace my broken Antenna Mast?
Antenna Mast failures generally occur because people ride through the
carwash with the antenna up. Once the mast is bent replacement is the only
repair. As long as the antenna cord is not broken, repair is fairly simple.
Simply remove the 17 or 18 mm nut off the antenna assembly top and pull out
the portion of the antenna mast that still remains in the assembly (You may
have to turn on the radio when attempting to remove the old antenna mast).
Slide the original sleeve over the replacement mast and place the nut over
the mast and insert the corded portion of the antenna into the antenna
assembly until it reaches the bottom. Have someone turn OFF the radio and
slowly rotate the cord clockwise until the corded portion of the antenna is
pulled into the antenna assembly. Slide the mast all the way into the
assembly and install the nut and tighten slightly! DO NOT WORRY if the mast
does not go all the way down at first as it will adjust itself after turning
the antenna on and off again.

NOTE: Remember to keep the silver sleeve that goes around the lower portion
of the antenna mast as you will want to use the original sleeve as opposed
to the one that is supplied with the replacement mast! (The ones that come
with the replacement mast are often too thin and will not secure the mast
well enough!)

NOTE: There are occasions where the antenna cords break off and will not
allow the replacement mast to be pulled in by the rotation of the antenna
gear assembly. In this event you will have to remove the antenna assembly
and disassemble it and manually remove the broken portion!


"Alan" <alan (AT) dilletante (DOT) org> wrote

The antenna does not retract when the engine is turned off. Will I need
to
replace the whole assembly - antenna + motor? Any idea how complex it is
and can I do it myself ? Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Alan.

"Alan" <alan (AT) dilletante (DOT) org> wrote

The antenna does not retract when the engine is turned off.

I just replaced my antenna with a single piece (black stainless steel) for
$9.00
My reception is by far better and clearer than I ever had with the original
Saab antenna which wasn't worth much to begin with.

In article <fcMLa.258425$VP.52357527 (AT) twister (DOT) neo.rr.com>, bo (AT) net (DOT) se.net
says...

I just replaced my antenna with a single piece (black stainless steel) for
$9.00
My reception is by far better and clearer than I ever had with the original
Saab antenna which wasn't worth much to begin with.

Where did you get it?

When you mean single piece does it mean it does not retract ? If so, any
problem with the antenna motor? I keep getting the whirring sound but the
antenna stays put. Earlier I was able to push it in but now it's firm in
its place.

Thanks,
Alan
"Bjorg Olafson" <bo (AT) net (DOT) se.net> wrote

"used" <IdonotwantSpam (AT) example (DOT) com> wrote in message

I just replaced my antenna with a single piece (black stainless steel)
for
$9.00
My reception is by far better and clearer than I ever had with the
original
Saab antenna which wasn't worth much to begin with.

Where did you get it?

Pep Boys, Kmart, Target, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone, etc., etc.