Car Stereos: Antenna Replacement after Snapping Off, factory antenna, antenna base

Question
I was walking my dog and the leash snapped off an antenna of a Hyundai Sonata at the base, 2005 model.  I am asking if it is a major repair to replace it.  Can I go to an auto parts store and get an antenna and then replace it fairly easy.  Do I need more parts since I snapped it completely off.

Answer
Hi Mary,

With a rear-fender mounted antenna like yours, replacement is fairly simple.  You can purchase a universal-type antenna at any auto parts store.  You might want to consider a rubber mast antenna; they work fairly well, and they're much harder to break.

The antenna is mounted directly to the sheet metal of the fender, through a 1" hole.  The antenna base has a top and bottom portion that are clamped together over the hole.  To remove the old antenna and install the new one, you'll need to have access to the bottom of the antenna base inside the trunk. This should be as simple as pulling the trunk liner away.  However, you may need a special tool to remove the nut that secures the factory antenna.

If you'd like to replace the antenna with the original part instead of a universal antenna, you should check out www.parts.com.  A replacement antenna for your vehicle is available for under $30 (as long as it's not a power antenna).

Hope this helps!

Brian