Community Forums

progers · 02-02-2011, 07:56 AM

I could not get my Wingard TV antenna to crank up on my last trip. The handle moves about 1/4 of a turn then stops. Anyone have a suggestion on what might be wrong? I would like to fix it myself if possible, but have no idea where to start.
Paula

Chuck 1935 · 02-02-2011, 08:15 AM

Go up on the roof and gently lift up on the antenna while someone inside turns the crank and see if that raises it. If it does, it could be that the worm gear under the large black plastic nut, at the base of the antenna, needs some lube on it.
With the antenna laying down, remove the black plastic nut from the base of the antenna on the roof. On the inside, remove the crank and wind the worm gear up through the roof and lube it.

wildtoad · 02-02-2011, 08:17 AM

Go up on the roof and check for anything that might be binding. Could be a twig or other item may be jamming the gears. Also take some spray lube or white grease and lubricate the gears while you (or someone) are up there.. I have also had to remove the handle and other parts and lubricate the shaft on the inside of the mh.

Good luck

Tom

Theberrys · 02-02-2011, 08:40 AM

Paula

These antenna aren't very complicated. Here is a link to the install instructions and exploded parts list.

Wingman Install Dwg Parts List.pdf - Windows Live

With that you should be able to sort out what's wrong and buy the parts here to fix it.

Swiden Distributing - Product Catalog - Crank-up Antenna Parts

Dick

progers · 02-02-2011, 09:08 AM

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Looks easier than I thought. I'll give it a try.

Paula

Pusherman · 02-02-2011, 01:37 PM

The worm gear is made of plastic and the teeth can get damaged pretty easily. The replacement parts should be available at a good RV shop (make sure they sell Winegard products). They are inexpensive.

nbounder · 02-02-2011, 08:12 PM

Paula - I've been advised (on this forum) that spray silicone is the best to use on aluminum. I tried it on my awning & my antenna and it SEEMED to work real well. Give it a try!

frankdamp · 02-02-2011, 08:25 PM

On our last rig, the previous owner had been so generous with the caulk, he'd glued the antenna arms to the roof.

progers · 02-03-2011, 11:04 AM

You guys are the BEST!! We had a heat wave today (got up to 24*) so I climbed up on top of the RV with my can of silicone and started spraying. That antenna never has worked so easily. Thank you so much!!!
Paula

edj · 02-03-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by progers

You guys are the BEST!! We had a heat wave today (got up to 24*) so I climbed up on top of the RV with my can of silicone and started spraying. That antenna never has worked so easily. Thank you so much!!!
Paula

I believe that spraying the gears with silicone is in the antenna manual as a yearly maintenance item.

Poptop · 02-07-2011, 09:56 AM

I had a similar situation a few years ago except the antenna wouldn't go down. It turns out the gears were "dry" and a good shot of silicone took care of it. Now I do that particular annual maintenance item every 2 or 3 years or so.