HELP! Mirror broken off....
Discussion
Hello fellow PHers...
I've recently moved to a really narrow street so thought it would be a good idea to fold my mirrors in at night to stop them getting knocked off! Went to twist the drivers side mirror and it snapped clean off!
The bolt was completely rusted and so i'm surprised it's stayed on this long to be honest.
Is there an easy way to repair this? Dont want to shell out for a new mirror.
Thanks, Rich
I've recently moved to a really narrow street so thought it would be a good idea to fold my mirrors in at night to stop them getting knocked off! Went to twist the drivers side mirror and it snapped clean off!
The bolt was completely rusted and so i'm surprised it's stayed on this long to be honest.
Is there an easy way to repair this? Dont want to shell out for a new mirror.
Thanks, Rich
Yes, it's very easy (on a mk1 at least) - remove the mirror stump from the door by prising up the plastic cover and taking out the 2 bolts - you'll need to wiggle the cover around to get enough clearance to get a spanner or socket onto the 2 bolts.
You then need to get the broken bits of the old bolt out - to do this on the mirror body gently remove the plastic edging strip using (for example) a stanley knife blade, then the glass should drop out. You should then be able to remove the broken bolt.
You can then fix the mirror back piece onto the balljoint using a new bolt and a nylock nut - I found this quite awkward but not too bad. Tighten it enough to hold the mirror still but not so tight that you can't adjust it or you end up bending the door metal. Then replace the glass and superglue the edge trim back into place, then bolt back on to the door (again wiggling the cover around to get clearance) and clip the cover back into place - you might need a dab of glue or silicone or something to hold the cover on properly - mine was very loose.
Make sure you don't forget to put the plastic cover back on the door-side of the balljoint before putting the new bolt through - you'll curse if you get it bolted up then spot the cover laying on the ground!
I also put some grease onto the balljoint so it's easier and smoother to move.
You then need to get the broken bits of the old bolt out - to do this on the mirror body gently remove the plastic edging strip using (for example) a stanley knife blade, then the glass should drop out. You should then be able to remove the broken bolt.
You can then fix the mirror back piece onto the balljoint using a new bolt and a nylock nut - I found this quite awkward but not too bad. Tighten it enough to hold the mirror still but not so tight that you can't adjust it or you end up bending the door metal. Then replace the glass and superglue the edge trim back into place, then bolt back on to the door (again wiggling the cover around to get clearance) and clip the cover back into place - you might need a dab of glue or silicone or something to hold the cover on properly - mine was very loose.
Make sure you don't forget to put the plastic cover back on the door-side of the balljoint before putting the new bolt through - you'll curse if you get it bolted up then spot the cover laying on the ground!
I also put some grease onto the balljoint so it's easier and smoother to move.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 28th January 19:40
I did exactly the same to mine and followed instructions from a thread on the owners club, which resulted in me getting the wrong size bolt and breaking my mirror! Do as already has been said maybe with a pen knife type blade and ease it round carefully, don't lever up using the mirror as a pivot. Then you'll need a M5 bolt and eaither a locking nut or 2 nuts on there. Its might also be worth putting a but of masking tape on the plastic screw cover when putting back on the door as its pretty tight and the srew driver can rub and scratch it. Good luck.
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