Weak power antenna in a 1957 Caddy

[Cadillac Jack 82]

So my antenna works...but its slow and sluggish.  Does it need some greasing up or is the motor going south? 

[Jon S]

So my antenna works...but its slow and sluggish.  Does it need some greasing up or is the motor going south?

I've never lubricated them other than wiping light oil on the extended shafts and wiping it off after two up and downs.

[cadillac ken]

my experience with the power antennas and power windows is that the sluggish operation is usually as you guessed, the motor "going south" 
But with that said, I would still remove it and disassemble to inspect it.

[Glen]

My experience is not the motor going bad but the grease in the gears getting old.  Take it apart and clean out the old grease and put in new grease.  You will be surprised what a difference it makes.   

[TonyZappone #2624]

Use silicone rather than oil or grease.  The oil accumulates in the gear and reel area and messes everything up.  400 steel wool with silicon and a rag will usually speed things up.