I’ve got the original Hirschmann antenna mechanism and a new mast. The old mast would not go up-down the full way, and plastic seal etc were broken. The new problem is that the replacement mast will not feed into the unit properly. I’m using the radio power on/off to let the mechanism draw the toothed rope down in. The motor is still whirring away when I turn off power, but the mechanism will not grab the cable. It acts like the teeth on the gear wheel are not grabbing the toothed cable, and something is resisting the cable going in. Even though the teeth on the mast obviously can face only one way (either front or rear, can’t recall without looking at the car right now), I’ve tried multiple orientations just in case. If I push firmly, the rope will feed in with a lot of resistance, but not wind down (either it’s somehow getting misdirected or is shoving by the toothed wheel without engaging in it. Again, I’ve tried more than one direction for the teeth. And I am feeding in enough rope for the mechanism to be able to grab the rope.
Should I try something else – is there some other trick to try first (can’t think what), or should I open the unit up and diagnose.
And if, say, the gear wheel is busted, is it or other likely part replaceable anyway?
If I do open the unit up, is there some part (e.g. plastic clip etc.) that I need to be careful not to break?
And if the mechanism is not worth repairing, are the $160 Hirschmann OEM style replacements really worth the extra cost over the cheaper less beefy looking $60 Hirschmann “budget” replacements (a.k.a. budget model part H2030B or H2040 at BavAuto, or 921-738-106-M50 at Pelican)?
What is the consensus, if any on the cheaper units - do these so-called budget models not last very long?
Are the expensive units cheaper anywhere else?
Was the failure on mine a fluke, and is a recycled (wrecker) part likely to be reliable?
Yes there are other options, including using my defroster as an antenna (not accpetable), or going with an e36, or Z3 or M3 style or stubby mast etc., even m3 rooftop, but for the time being, I think I want the original style of mast, and I already have the new mast for the OEM style unit purchased.
Thanks in advance for any constructive input.
Should I try something else – is there some other trick to try first (can’t think what), or should I open the unit up and diagnose.
And if, say, the gear wheel is busted, is it or other likely part replaceable anyway?
If I do open the unit up, is there some part (e.g. plastic clip etc.) that I need to be careful not to break?
And if the mechanism is not worth repairing, are the $160 Hirschmann OEM style replacements really worth the extra cost over the cheaper less beefy looking $60 Hirschmann “budget” replacements (a.k.a. budget model part H2030B or H2040 at BavAuto, or 921-738-106-M50 at Pelican)?
What is the consensus, if any on the cheaper units - do these so-called budget models not last very long?
Are the expensive units cheaper anywhere else?
Was the failure on mine a fluke, and is a recycled (wrecker) part likely to be reliable?
Yes there are other options, including using my defroster as an antenna (not accpetable), or going with an e36, or Z3 or M3 style or stubby mast etc., even m3 rooftop, but for the time being, I think I want the original style of mast, and I already have the new mast for the OEM style unit purchased.
Thanks in advance for any constructive input.
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