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Porsche 944 Power Antennas

Porsche 944 Power antennas

Starting at $75.95, AutoBuffy stocks 4 power antenna options for the Porsche 944 from brands including URO. A power antenna automatically raises and lowers your mast to receive AM/FM signals and retracts when the radio is off. When the motor fails or the mast breaks, you lose reception or get a mast stuck in the raised position, leaving it exposed to damage and theft.

Signs your Porsche 944 needs a new power antenna

  • Mast does not rise when the radio or ignition is turned on
  • Mast rises but does not retract when the radio is turned off, staying exposed to car washes and theft
  • You can hear the motor running but the mast barely moves or moves in jerks
  • AM/FM reception is weak or cuts in and out even in strong signal areas
  • Mast is visibly bent, cracked, or sections of the nylon rack teeth are stripped or missing
  • Motor makes a grinding or straining noise without producing any mast movement

Which power antenna should you buy for your Porsche 944?

The main decision is whether to replace just the mast assembly or the entire motor and mast unit together. If your motor runs but the mast does not extend, a mast-only replacement is usually sufficient; if the motor is silent or grinding, you need a complete assembly. Consider whether you want to stick with a powered unit or convert to a fixed or flexible mast for lower maintenance.

Replacement Mast Only
Best for
Motor works but mast is bent, broken, or stripped
What you get
New nylon-rack mast sections that thread onto the existing motor drive cable — lowest cost fix
Complete Motor and Mast Assembly
Best for
Motor is dead, grinding, or seized
What you get
Fully assembled unit with motor, mast, and mounting hardware — restores OE-style automatic operation
Fixed Stainless Mast Adapter
Best for
Owners who want zero maintenance and can live without retraction
What you get
Solid stainless antenna that screws into the existing base — no motor needed, durable, no moving parts to fail
Flexible Rubber-Base Mast
Best for
Vehicles in car washes frequently or areas with low-hanging obstacles
What you get
Rubberized base with flexible mast that bends instead of snapping — manual, always-up design with good reception

Power antennas brands we stock for your Porsche 944

URO
4 options · from $75.95

Replacing a power antenna on a Porsche 944

Moderate⏱ 30 minutes – 2 hoursSocket set and ratchetFlathead and Phillips screwdriversTrim panel removal toolNeedle-nose pliersElectrical tape or heat-shrink connectors

Turn the radio on so the motor attempts to extend the mast, then disconnect the battery before starting work. Access the motor mounting nut — typically behind a fender liner or under interior trim — disconnect the wiring harness, and remove the old unit before feeding the new mast or installing the new assembly in reverse order. Reconnect the battery, turn the radio on and off several times, and confirm the mast rises and retracts smoothly through its full range of travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace power antennas on a Porsche 944?
Parts for a Porsche 944 power antenna start at $75.95 on AutoBuffy. A mast-only replacement is the least expensive route. A complete motor and mast assembly costs more but is necessary when the motor has failed. Professional labor for installation typically adds to that total depending on your shop's rate.
Can I replace just the mast on my Porsche 944 without replacing the whole motor?
Yes, if the motor still runs and you can hear it engaging, a mast-only replacement is usually all you need. The old mast sections thread off as the motor retracts them, and the new mast feeds back in the same way. Confirm your existing motor engages before ordering a mast-only part.
Why does the power antenna on my Porsche 944 go up but not come back down?
This almost always means the nylon rack teeth on the mast are stripped or the drive cable inside the motor housing is slipping. The motor has enough torque to push the mast up but cannot pull it down against resistance. Replacing the mast assembly typically resolves this; a full motor replacement is needed if the cable itself is damaged.
Is a power antenna replacement on a Porsche 944 something I can do myself?
A mast-only swap is a genuine DIY job requiring basic hand tools and about 30 minutes. A full motor and mast assembly replacement is moderately more involved — it usually requires removing a fender liner or interior trim panel to access the mounting nut and wiring connector — but it is within reach for a capable home mechanic with a couple of hours.
Will a bad power antenna affect radio reception on my Porsche 944?
Yes, directly. The antenna mast is the signal collector for AM and FM bands. A mast stuck halfway, bent, corroded, or not rising at all will produce noticeably weak or static-filled reception even in areas with strong broadcast signals. Replacing the antenna usually restores full reception immediately.
How long does a replacement power antenna last on a Porsche 944?
A quality replacement mast typically lasts several years under normal use. The motor assembly has a longer service life but is vulnerable to water intrusion, corrosion, and the cumulative wear of daily cycling. Keeping the mast clean, lightly lubricated, and retracting it before car washes meaningfully extends the service life of both the mast and motor.

Shop power antennas by year for the Porsche 944

198519841983

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