Mark

      Also ref:  rotate.aero/forum/ata24-767/343-ata-24-2...ed-power-feeder-wire

When dealing with larger generator feed wires, splices, pins and terminals require special hydraulic crimpers. I'm not an expert at the Standard Wiring Practices Manuals. For me, looking for the proper tooling can be difficult.
As a way to help myself (and others) is to make an entry on every repair and the tooling we used to accomplish the job.
  
APU Generator To Firewall Plug
     
  
We used crimp die 11738 on both ends.
Crimper base 13642M
Pump 69120-1
 
The following images are just for reference....
  
     
     
     
 

Behind the racks where the couplers are seated are two ≈1/4" copper(?) tubes joined together and bolted to the top of the antenna itself. The connection is covered with sealant.
  
     
     
  
Could this connection be corroded enough to cause bad reception/transmission of HF signals? Possible, but I haven't seen an example over the course of my time on aircraft.

It would take digging all the sealant off, disconnection, cleaning everything up, re-connection, and re-sealing, to correct an issue like that.

The "ground" side connection (or ground path) of the antenna is actually all the perimeter screws that hold the antenna to the vertical stabilizer.
 

The whole point of a Constant Speed Drive is to do just that.... hold the frequency within a set tolerance. Without looking, 400Hz +/- 10 Hz.

If the frequency drifts higher or lower that 390/410Hz. The Generator Control Unit will take it off line.

These units a pretty damn reliable. 397-403 is usually seen as a frequency.

If you're reading low freq's, the CSD is NOT doing its job.

If the frequency is showing low, but generator is "not" dropping off line, you need to be verifying the indication system.

I have never seen an indication that was wrong when the generator is staying online.

You would be looking at a bunch of areas of possible faults, not just grounds.

I cannot answer your question. That is a engineering and quality control issue.

I am a mechanic. I choose to be a mechanic because I don't want to ever have to deal with these types of problems. Higher-ups deal with this..... not me.

This is above my level.

If "I' were pulling the stairs..... the whole assembly and mounting brackets would be removed.

All these removed parts are listed as salvageable. Meaning they can be thrown away if needed.

This boils down to "if your using the stairs now" or "if there is a future need".

If that's a double "no"..... pull them out.

They add weight and make a already tight electrical compartment..... worse.