Cracking aerial grommet!

[DrWong]

Changed today, using the screw into aerial unit approach to pull it into the new grommet. Not sure how else it could be done! Luckily I had a screw the right size and thread

Old vs new. Erm, quite a difference

I also reconnected the boot light that some wag had disconnected previously. Most likely in connection with the ropey boot loom which I repaired recently

 

[colb]

Used the screw method when I changed mine, the ability to use it to pull the unit up with the screw certainly helps the bulb end of the unit snap into the interior of the grommit. A spray of silican or a dab of vaseline on the interior of the grommit also helps.

 

[DrWong]

I managed to fit mine without needing any lubrication - think the warm weather helped me out here

 

[brittas]

I have just replaced mine plus the door handle surrounds . Makes a difference. I am booked in for a wrap soon so it will look like a new car.

 

[DrWong]

I have just replaced mine plus the door handle surrounds . Makes a difference. I am booked in for a wrap soon so it will look like a new car.

Yeah I can't believe how much difference replacing that tiny grommet has made to the appearance of the wing!

Before and after photos of the wrap in due course pls

 

[Si Mcinerney]

Is there a ‘how to’ anywhere for replacing the grommet?

 

[DrWong]

Is there a ‘how to’ anywhere for replacing the grommet?

I watched this video mate, sets out all the key steps.

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LG0qHgs61iA


Diaconnect the battery as the aerial base can short out if it touches the body.

Will put up a quick how-to later (when not in work!)

 

[DrWong]

@Si Mcinerney

Ok, so the vid covers the main steps involved. However, the car they used doesn't have the roof pump which will be in the way of the aerial base if installed. It can be loosened off and swung out of the way - no need to remove it entirely. I'm a bit hazy on what I did and didn't take many photos, but anyways..

1. Disconnect battery
2. Pop the clips holding carpet in place on left of boot, pull carpet back to access inside wing. Undo and swing roof pump out the way if applicable
3. Undo the earth strap from the aerial base and undo the bracket that holds the base in place. I don't think I disconnected the wires to the base as they did in the video
4. Aerial base should now be loose and only held in place by it's connection to the exterior rubber grommet
5. Find a screw with the same thread as your aerial (think they're quite common, I had one lying around from a pound shop set of mixed screws), screw it into the base and push down on it to free the base from the grommet. There is also a rubber boot attached to the aerial base that you have to free from the wing.
6. Alternatively you could try and brute force it by pulling the base from underneath. At your own risk though - I did number 5 above so have no view on this alternative..
7. Remove grommet by either pushing it out of, or in to, the wing
8. Install new grommet, matching the curve of the wing with the curve at the base of the grommet. Position the bigger bit of the grommet towards the front, which should ensure the aerial correctly points up and back when installed. Also ensure the wing is properly seated on the inside lip of the grommet. The grommet should lie flush all around and makes a satisfying 'pop' when it locates
9. Offer up the aerial base to the newly-installed grommet, insert the magic screw into the base and pull up on it to locate the base into the grommet. Again, a satisfying 'pop' should be heard if it locates correctly
10. The reverse of steps 1 to 3 for the rest of re-installation

Think that covers it. Take photos so you know how everything goes back together. Shout if you have any questions

 

[handsomejackuk]

did mine a few weeks ago i had to move the hood pump to the side to get the antenna amplifier out.. i warmed up the grommet in a mug of hot water.. and applied a bit of silicone spray and it just popped in easy... then poke the antenna through after... makes a big difference to the looks..

 

[Si Mcinerney]

@Si Mcinerney

Ok, so the vid covers the main steps involved. However, the car they used doesn't have the roof pump which will be in the way of the aerial base if installed. It can be loosened off and swung out of the way - no need to remove it entirely. I'm a bit hazy on what I did and didn't take many photos, but anyways..

1. Disconnect battery
2. Pop the clips holding carpet in place on left of boot, pull carpet back to access inside wing. Undo and swing roof pump out the way if applicable
3. Undo the earth strap from the aerial base and undo the bracket that holds the base in place. I don't think I disconnected the wires to the base as they did in the video
4. Aerial base should now be loose and only held in place by it's connection to the exterior rubber grommet
5. Find a screw with the same thread as your aerial (think they're quite common, I had one lying around from a pound shop set of mixed screws), screw it into the base and push down on it to free the base from the grommet. There is also a rubber boot attached to the aerial base that you have to free from the wing.
6. Alternatively you could try and brute force it by pulling the base from underneath. At your own risk though - I did number 5 above so have no view on this alternative..
7. Remove grommet by either pushing it out of, or in to, the wing
8. Install new grommet, matching the curve of the wing with the curve at the base of the grommet. Position the bigger bit of the grommet towards the front, which should ensure the aerial correctly points up and back when installed. Also ensure the wing is properly seated on the inside lip of the grommet. The grommet should lie flush all around and makes a satisfying 'pop' when it locates
9. Offer up the aerial base to the newly-installed grommet, insert the magic screw into the base and pull up on it to locate the base into the grommet. Again, a satisfying 'pop' should be heard if it locates correctly
10. The reverse of steps 1 to 3 for the rest of re-installation

Think that covers it. Take photos so you know how everything goes back together. Shout if you have any questions

That’s amazing thank you, a job for the weekend!

 

[DrWong]

did mine a few weeks ago i had to move the hood pump to the side to get the antenna amplifier out.. i warmed up the grommet in a mug of hot water.. and applied a bit of silicone spray and it just popped in easy... then poke the antenna through after... makes a big difference to the looks..

Agreed mate, was shocked at the difference it made! Was also quite surprised at the difference in height between the front and back of a new grommet, as mine had basically weathered to the same height all round

 

[DrWong]

That’s amazing thank you, a job for the weekend!

Let us know how you get on!