I have threaded a many an antenna through a tube that is already mounted. You do not want to lubricate it, that makes it even more difficult. The lubrication is too viscous for the flimsy antenna wire. Maybe WD 40 or soemthing would be about as thick as you would want. Normally, if I am patient and I keep the wire and my hands very dry and the wire straight, I can get it. It just takes time and patience and a good angle to get ahold of the wire.

I still think that the vacuum the thread trick is the best idea I have ever heard. Its probably an old one, but its a new one to me.. I will definitely do it next time.