Clean and lubricate electric aerial

[MikeS100]

Hi all,

Just after some advice on cleaning and lubricating the elctric aerial on my C70. I bought some of this: WD40 specialist silicone lubricant, but should I clean it first before putting the lubricant on? A general google search on cleaning electric aerials says clean with something like surgical spirit first by just applying to a cloth and wiping up the aerial (to pull the dirt away rather than push it into the mechanism) and then do the same thing with the lubricant. I'm assuming this is a reasonable thing to do on the volvo aerials, any reason why I shouldn't do this or any better ways you can suggest?

Thanks

[Thanatos]

Put the aerial up and spay with ipa and or even better label remover as this dissolves the sticky stuff. Put lots of kitchen paper round the base and get a clean micro fibre cloth spay lubricant on to the cloth and hold the aerial gently get some one to lower and raise the aerial. Tis then wipes across the mast and doesn't damage it.

I do this every 12 months on mine

[MikeS100]

Great, thanks for that, think I've got a can knocking around in the garage somewhere...

[OvlovS70]

Hello,
Another wee trick is with the mast extended hold a cloth behind with your free hand and move down the mast as you spray, this prevents overspray onto the rear window or in your case the soft hood. I have 3 in 1 silicone spray and would imagine it is very similar.
Cheers

[Spike1918]

One of the best things I`ve found in recent years are those dry PTFE lock lubricating sprays.
But yes a good clean first with a solvent like isopropryl alcohol or even use those handy alcohol wipes you can steal from KFC work wonders in preparation before re-lubing.

[MikeS100]

Thanks for the advice guys, good tips. Am I right in thinking Halfords electrical contact cleaner is basically isopropyl alcohol? I've got a can of that. I'm guessing that would be better than surgical spirit as the surgical spirit has probably got quite a high water content.

If the Halfords stuff is ok to use I will give it a clean with that and then lubricate it in the morning. Thanks again guys.

[Thanatos]

Electrical contact cleaner is ok to use as a cleaner

[MikeS100]

Great, I'm all set to do this tomorrow then Thanks

[acellis]

Hi guys, I also need to clean my aerial, but mine only raises about a foot. Can you recommend a way to get it to fully extend? Or will cleanin do the trick?
Tony.

[Spike1918]

Blimey it`s like a dear Deidre question!
If it don`t fully extend it`s likely beyond help and needs replacing.