Radio Antenna Mast Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for a radio antenna mast replacement is between $134 and $147. Labor costs are estimated between $46 and $59 while parts are priced at $88. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

How does the Radio Antenna Mast work?

The antenna works by creating a larger striking point for signal interception. To understand this it is necessary to understand how radio waves move. Simply put, without an antenna, radio waves will bounce over a vehicle without being fully interpreted. The radio antenna will better intercept these waves since it is putting something metallic or magnetic in the path of the waves. This principle works for every type of reception needed by today's automobiles, and antenna masts commonly have several types of antennas integrated, or the receptor for navigation and satellite systems are located in a separate area of the vehicle. In either case, once the signal has been intercepted by the antenna, it will travel through a set of signal wires to be delivered to the receiver, processed, and presented as sound, video, or text.

What are the symptoms of a bad Radio Antenna Mast?

A faulty antenna mast will likely receive the information it is designed to capture, but the likelihood of transmitting that signal to the receiver is slim. The receiving device will either alert the user that the device has lost signal, or intermittent display of data will alert the user that the antenna or receiving unit is failing. Lastly, static for AM or FM signals is the result of a failing antenna, but if the antenna has completely failed, most stations will not work unless the vehicle is within very close proximity to the transmission tower for that station.

Can I drive with a bad Radio Antenna Mast?

A vehicle with a bad antenna of any kind can be driven indefinitely. These devices to not harm the vehicle at all, and are only a matter of convenience. Those who are most likely to seek immediate repair are those who spend extended periods in their vehicles, pay for subscription services like satellite radio, or live in rural areas where reception is already an issue.

How often do Radio Antenna Masts need replacement?


How are Radio Antenna Masts replaced?

Replacing an antenna is as simple as removing a fastener to separate it from the vehicle, and disconnecting the coaxial connection, power wires, and grounding wire. Once the new antenna is connected electronically and coaxially, the antenna can be remounted on the vehicle. For shark fin antennas, those on the roof of the vehicle, the headliner may need to be removed unless there is access to the antenna underneath the rear overhead lighting.

RepairPal Recommendations for Radio Antenna Mast issues

For those who live in rural areas, but still wish to receive AM or FM signals from neighboring cities or towns, aftermarket antennas are available for this purpose, and adapters can be used to transition from the factory connections to the aftermarket connections. Also, radio antenna amplifiers are available, and these are very commonly used for tractor-trailer vehicles two-way communication devices.

What to look out for when dealing with Radio Antenna Mast issues

The battery must be connected in order to test an antenna, so great care should be taken to avoid grounding the antenna to the chassis. This is especially likely in the case of radio antennas because they are always mounted to the body of the vehicle, and the wiring harness will often be left dangling near the body panel from which the antenna protrudes.

Can I replace the Radio Antenna Mast myself?

Replacing an antenna is simple, and often a necessary step in diagnosing static over the radio or lost signal to a digital receiver. It can be done at home for the types of antennas discussed, however, there are some satellite antennas that are mounted underneath the dashboard, above the front seats, or in the trunk of the vehicle. Identifying which antenna is liable to have failed, the location of that antenna, and accessing that antenna requires significant deconstruction of interior components, a professional may be advised.

19,509 people trusted RepairPal with their estimates this week!