How-To: Replace OEM Antenna (in-fender)

Hi.
I just did mine and this post really helped me getting the job done by knowing what to do right off the bat, and having right part numbers too. Saved a lot of time.
Thanks a bunch.

 

OP, sweet write up!

Sub'd!

 

My bezel is all corroded and broken in half. Time to tear it apart and replace. Antenna is still good.

 

I have the exact same problem on my 2012 TRD Sport. Two questions that nobody asked or answered in the three previous pages:
1. what causes the antenna base to loosen in the first place?
2. can you replace the antenna base by itself and just reattach the old antenna cable at the new base so you don't have to go into the dash panel and "A" pillar?

 

Thanks for this helped a lot did this on my 2013 only 3 years old had to drill it out I used a 1/2 inch bit but wonder if 1/4 would do the job and save the ornament part from damage ($29.99 part in Canada) I used the smallest allen key I could find to help pull the plugs out didn't break any and used to the two smallest allen keys and vice grips to tighten the chrome nut down. I also put some dielectric grease on the parts to hopefully slow corrosion process

 

Great write up. Thank you! I also had to drill mine to get it out.

Islander1089, I am unsure of what causes it to loosen in the first place as mine didn't have that problem. I broke mine off and had to get the new base since the threads were trashed.

You could most likely just insert a new base and splice the wires together but unfortunately the only plug is inside and access to that requires taking the pillar apart. It was only two bolts though in the handle and the plastic lifted right out of there without a problem. Then u just have to take the glove box out (just squeeze the black sides they flex) and you have access to the grommet and connection.

Hope this helps,

Rob

 

I just finished replacing the antenna thanks to this writeup. Was totally disintegrated and the lower part inside the fender wasn't attached to the bolt anymore.

I broke a bunch of those black clips. They are actually screw grommet's that are meant to stay in the hole and hold a screw but looks like Toyota is just using them as clips. Which is why they are such a pain to remove.

 

1) The aluminum base turns into aluminum oxide, which is powdery and falls off.
2) The wire is part of the antenna base, which is a good thing, because it means that there are no plugs out there to potentially lose conductivity. Dont worry though, the work on the inside is *really easy*. The part under the dash is just feeding the new wire and grommet through the hole, and snapping it into place. The A-piller comes off easily with a #10 socket.

 

Hey guys, I went ahead and replaced the whole assembly which turned out to be easier than expected. I busted a couple of the clips that secure the fender flare but haven't replaced them yet. I did find that my radio reception improved so that was an added bonus. I appreciate the write up because I wouldn't have known where to start otherwise.

 

Thanks to the OP, this write up was very helpful. I ended up having to grind/cut off the nut on my base. That was the hardest part of the job followed closely by removing those black plastic plugs.

 

Thanks, your thread helped me out. I was able to go to the dealership and stock up on "soon to be broken" clips.

 

Guys I to need to replace my entire set-up because I installed a stupid ass stubby and the new insert rusted into place and can't remove it to put my antenna back on. My question is do I need to drill out the insert, or if I can remove the locking ring will the whole assembly come off. Also does anyone have the part number for the new wire assembly itself?

Thnx,
Eppy

 

If you can get the bezel nut ring off of there then it should come apart. but mine was corroded so i had to tear mine apart when taking it off.
The part number for the antenna assembly is:

$60 86300-04070 Genuine Toyota Antenna Assembly with Hold

86300-04070
The rest of the part numbers you may or may not need should be in the OP

 

on my 2015 tacoma, Once you remove the locking ring, its still secured in place under the wheel well by a clip and a 10mm bolt. I dont' know if your tacoma has the same bolt. I used a cheese cloth, soaked with that PB loosener stuff, and wrapped it around that nut overnight. Then I used a pair of pliers (and the cloth) to loosen the locking ring.

 

Thanks man, I really appreciate the heads-up and will be tackling this soon.

 

Just ordered the parts as my antenna is a mess, will hopefully get this done next week.

 

My antenna broke too, and I'm ordering the parts. Read the write up and Im pretty clear on the process. BUT, from the diagram and photos I cant figure out what happens in the Piller area, above the dash? From the exterior it looks like the antenna (with a cable) goes through the rubber plug in the fender into the cabin glove box way below the Piller. So where is the detaching connector located, in the Piller or behind glove box? And are both glove box and Piller trim necessary to remove depending on where the detaching connector is? Any help is appreciated - nico

 

Iirc, the connection where the wiring for the antenna connects is in the a pillar. You will also need access to behind the glove box though so you can run the new antenna wiring up through the grommet and up to the A pillar where it connects

 

Ahh ok, that makes sense. Thank you sir!

 

No problem! Good luck, let me know if you have any more questions