Power Antenna Mast - Supplied Grease

[HyperV6]

I just bought a new AC DELCO power antenna mast and it came with a small packet of grease. Is this grease to lubricate the gears (plastic gear which the nylon cord wraps inside and the electric motors drive gear)? I just want to verify what this grease is used for since it came with no instructions.

Thanks, Craig

 

[garyk1970]

my guess

The internals are greased.if the grease is clear,its for the electrical connector.I just re_read your question...since its a replacement mast,should be for the mast....

 

[HyperV6]

Yes, the grease is clear. It actually looks like dielectric grease. I would like to know what grease to use to lubricate the two plastic gears. The GM service manual calls out - GREASE — PRESTIGE #22. BY SUN OIL CO. OR EQUIVALENT. I haven't been able to find out what this grease is or what replaced it. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks, Craig

 

[XLR8]

It's been over 15 years since I replaced mine but I think the grease was dielectric for the connection to the radio.

 

[pmoore4321]

Yes, the grease is clear. It actually looks like dielectric grease. I would like to know what grease to use to lubricate the two plastic gears. The GM service manual calls out - GREASE — PRESTIGE #22. BY SUN OIL CO. OR EQUIVALENT. I haven't been able to find out what this grease is or what replaced it. Anybody have any ideas?

Thanks, Craig

I have rebuilt two antennas and I used white lithium grease on the gears. It worked fine.

Make sure you test the antenna *thoroughly* before buttoning up the fender. Ask me how I know.

 

[berserker6]

I have rebuilt two antennas and I used white lithium grease on the gears. It worked fine.

Make sure you test the antenna *thoroughly* before buttoning up the fender. Ask me how I know.

those "ask me how i know" always crack me up. ask me how i know

 

[pmoore4321]

I have an '86 442 and I had to "install" the antenna four times before it worked right. The antenna on my GN had been replaced with a crappy aftermarket piece so I just bought the replacement Delco from Kirbans.

 

[87Turbo-TWE4]

Don't forget to lube the mast periodically with WD40 for smooth operation.

 

[HyperV6]

I have found some grease to lubricate the internal power antenna gear and the spool/gear the nylon cord rolls up on - it's made by Dow Corning "MolyKote 33". Molykote 33 is a plastic compatible grease with a temperature range of -100 degrees F to +400 degrees F. Dow Corning suggest it to be used on internal windshield wiper gears, too. The stuff isn't cheap at $16 for a 5 oz. tube, but that should last me forever. You can find distributers off Dow Cornings website.

Craig

 

[pmoore4321]

source: 1986 Cutlass Service Manual