I had a mast that got whacked in a car wash several years ago and my mechanic put in a new antenna and assembly at some ridiculous cost. Now the antenna suddenly won't come up. The motor spins, but nothing happens. I'm told new assemblies are $225 and salvage $75. This seems like a lot and we have 2 kids in college. Anything I can do to fix this without a whole motor replacement? I can hear it whirring, it is just that nothing happens!
I commute, and I need the news.

 

Not sure if you ever got your answer, but I had something similar to another car I had. It could be that the antenna mast teeth is shredded or damaged and thus causing the whirring without the antenna ever reaching full mast.

You could replace the mast itself:
Power Antenna Mast for Sedans

 

Yes, putting a new antenna in is easy. You can also add a switch to stop the motor from going up and down every time you start the car.