Is there any trick or procedure for replaceing the mast assembly?

 

I just took mine out and replaced it with a base loaded fixed antennae. You dont metion your year, mine is a '96. Getting the old one out wasnt hard. Just peel back the inside covering of the trunk, and take out the 3 10mm blots (they are long ones), then the power antennae unit will be loose. Unhook the eletrical connector, and the coax. Also there is a rubber hose that allows liquid to drain to the bottom of the fender. Yank that out. The mast unit will then come out.

Like I said, I did not replace mine, just replaced it with a 10 dollar base loaded one.

Good luck!

 

It's a '95 (probably same as yours).Yeah,a fixed would be way much easier I guess,but I'm trying to keep the car original w/it's original integrity.The parts guy at the Mazda dealer made it sound very easy/just a matter of turning on the radio while pulling/feeding out the old one-then doing vice-versa going in w/the new one (with help/"radio operator" ofcourse).It sounds like your idea of removing the whole unit would give me better control/observation of this procedure.......Thankyou for input kellybell................

 

If you decide to go with a fixed antennae, you will also need a female to female adapter, because the coax from the radio ends with a male fitting, and any aftermarket antennae ends with a male fitting.

 

Got the new one in.Goes up and down fine.But seems like it's extending too far out,making the antenna floppy once extended.Seal is tight.Should I snip some of the toothed ribbon off ?

 

The holes that mount the antennae motor to the car are slotted, IIRC. See if you can adjust the motor down. Loosen the 3 10mm blots and see if you can slide the entire unit down all the way. Tighten the bolts back up and see if that helps.

 

Only a nut attached to a stud coming from motor bracket actually hols the assy.I don't know why the 2 bolts above it are there/they just go through the body webbing.

 

HMMMM. I dont know why it would raise so far then. You might call a Mazda dealership and ask a service advisor.

 

There is a sleeve that attachs to the mast that does not come with the new pole. Leaving it out would cause it to be loose fitting.

 

Wjen you loosened the bolt, you could not move the motor up and down?