[ekcobeach]

Perhaps i have been quite fortunate. I have three Ford Capris which all use these type of aerial and all have been working without problem since 1986.I even bent one because foolishly i tried to listen to the radio whilst in the car wash.But it still worked afterwards although not through it's full travel.I still have one new in box somewhere that i bought as a spare.I do periodically lubricate them.Perhaps that's why they have been so long lived. Colin.