Mirrors are an essential part of the vehicle’s equipment that allows you to navigate through the traffic safely and more easily.
Each mirror serves an important role – the rearview mirror gives you a wide-angle image of the traffic behind you, the right-side mirror helps you switch lanes, and the left-side mirror lets you know if someone’s trying to overtake you. Of course, they’ve got other uses and can assist you when you’re driving in reverse or parking.
But what can you do when the mirrors become loose and keep tilting down?
Rear and side mirrors can be adjusted by tightening the screw located beneath, or behind the mirror itself. In this article, I’ll teach you how to fix the mirrors and regain complete visibility on the road!
How To Adjust a Loose Rear View Mirror
The Rear-View mirror is often adjusted, especially if the car is driven by several people. This will cause the mirror ball joint to loosen up, but there are a couple of ways to tighten it. The exact method will vary depending on your vehicle, and if none of the factory-installed methods is applicable, I’ll also provide some DIY methods to solve the problem.
Tools You’ll Need:
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Tighten The Screw Underneath The Mirror
Some vehicles have a fixed mirror stand and a ball joint that attaches directly to the mirror. Inspect the mirror from underneath, where the flip tab is located. On some models, you’ll find a hex or Phillip’s head screw to tighten and get the mirror back in action.
Tighten The Screw Inside The Base Of The Roof
In some models, the mirror and the rod have a solid connection, with the ball joint connection located within the roof. You’ll have to figure out how to remove the plastic shroud to gain access to the adjustment screw. After that, it’s just a matter of using the right screwdriver to tighten the ball joint.
Tighten The Screw Within The Mirror
If you can’t locate the tightening screw beneath the mirror or within the base, the last place to look is inside the mirror. At this point, I’d suggest looking up the exact method for your make & model, as disassembling the mirror unnecessarily can only cause more harm than good. Once you’re sure there’s a tightening screw inside, carefully pull off the mirror to gain access to the screw.
How To Adjust a Loose Side Mirror
Side mirrors face two problems – the joint connecting the assembly to the vehicle can become loose, and the mirror itself can drop. Both are relatively easy fixes as long as your vehicle allows them.
Tools You’ll Need:
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 Top | CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, Assorted, 12-Piece (CMHT65044) | Buy Now | |
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How to Tighten Side Mirror Assembly
The entire side mirror is connected to a latch with a couple of screws. The mechanism lets you fold the mirrors to prevent unwanted damage when parked.
To tighten the screws, inspect the connection point and figure out how to take off the cowl. After that, it’s just a matter of tightening the screws with the right socket.
How to Correct The Side Mirror
Like some rearview mirrors, the side mirror ball joint can be corrected by taking off the mirror and tightening the adjustment screw. This is a delicate job as trying to forcefully pull off the mirror can damage the remote adjustment mechanism, so before you start, check out the steps on how to remove the side mirror glass that’s located towards the end of the article.
Replace The Mirror
By design, some mirrors cannot be adjusted in any way. The worst thing you can do is take the vehicle to an authorized dealership – not only will they charge you a ridiculous amount for a replacement mirror and labor costs. If you’re not confident in your repair skills, you can buy the mirror yourself and take the car to a local mechanic. They’ll be able to change it within minutes and charge a trivial amount.
Older vehicles have rearview mirrors that are just that – a mirror, but you can now spend a few extra dollars and buy a rearview mirror with an integrated backup camera monitor.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
DIY Methods For Fixing Rear and Side Mirrors
Before you start replacing the mirrors, you can try a few DIY methods of fixing the ball joint and restoring partial, or complete functionality to your mirrors.
How to Fix Loose Rear View Mirror
The ball assembly is made out of soft metal or even plastic and will shrink over time. By far the easiest method of regaining a tight connection is to layer the ball receiver with a piece of paper, plastic, insulation tape, or whatever else you have on hand.
For this method, I like to use a piece of notepad paper, cut it into a small enough piece so it won’t be visible, and stick it into the ball receiver. The ball will have a tighter fit, and you’ll still be able to adjust the mirror. Over time, the paper might degrade, but you can always repeat the process in just a few minutes.
How to Fix Loose Side View Mirror
The most expensive part of the side mirror is the electric motor for remote adjustment and folding. If that fails, chances are that getting the spare parts will be just as expensive as buying the entire mirror.
However, there is one way to fix a side mirror that keeps tilting downwards. Hold the mirror in position with one hand, then wedge toothpicks or cardboard between the mirror and the housing. This will create a tight fit and while you won’t be able to use remote controls to adjust the mirror position, you can still open the window and adjust it by hand.
How to Replace Side View Mirror Glass
Side mirror glass can crack, become too dirty to clean, or even fall off, so knowing how to replace it is a good skill to have. You most likely won’t need any tools, just a handful of adhesion and cleaning products.
Tools You’ll Need:
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 TopTop | Double Sided Tape, HitLights Mounting Tape Heavy Duty, Waterproof Foam Tape, 16.4FT Length, 0.94 Inch Width | Buy Now | |
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Steps to Replace Side View Mirror Glass:
- If the old glass is still in place, pull it off. You can use adhesion tape on the glass to give you a better grip.
- Use IPA or ethanol to clean the mirror mount. Do the same for the front and back sides of the old or replacement mirror.
- Cut up the double-sided tape into sections then stick it to the back of the glass. Alternatively, you can use superglue.
- Slowly place the mirror on the mount at an angle, then push it on. This will maximize the contact surface.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix a rearview mirror?
The cost of replacing the rearview mirror greatly depends on how you approach the problem. If you take the vehicle to an authorized dealership, the cost of parts and labor can even reach $1000! In contrast, a basic aftermarket rearview mirror costs just $10.
Unless your rearview mirror has special features that require an OEM replacement, I would strongly suggest going with a cheaper alternative. Replacing the mirror is very simple, so don’t let the mechanic rip you off – you can definitely do the job yourself, and if not, don’t spend more than $50-100 on labor.
Can I use Gorilla Glue to fix my rearview mirror?
You can use Gorilla Glue to reattach the glass to the mount, but do not use it to tighten the ball joint, especially if the receiver is inside the roof assembly! Once it sets, you won’t be able to adjust the angle of the mirror, and removing the ball will become nearly impossible. You’ll likely have to snap off the mirror, then drill out the ball to save the joint receiver.
How long does it take to fix a rearview mirror?
The job is very simple, so whether you’re fixing or replacing the mirror, the whole process should take 10-30 minutes.
How do you tighten a ball joint on a side mirror?
To tighten the ball joint on the side mirror, you need to remove the glass and possibly the glass mount. Doing so requires patience and skill not to break the glass, but it can be done. Once you’ve tightened the ball joint, follow the steps explained in the guide on how to glue the glass back in place.
Why is my driver’s side mirror shaking?
Some vibrations are to be expected, especially on older vehicles, but if the mirror is shaking excessively, it means that the bolts connecting it to the body have become loose. Simply take off the bottom shroud of the mirror assembly and tighten the bolts to keep the mirror from wobbling.
Summary
Loose rear or side-view mirrors can be very annoying, but repairing them is a simple process that requires just the basic tools. Be careful not to break the glass, and you should do just fine. Every mirror is different, so check the owner’s manual and forums to see what other owners have to say.
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FAQs
Why is my rear view mirror shaking? ›
A: The rear-view mirror is picking up a very slight vibration in the car. That vibration could be coming from a wheel, tire, bearing or even the engine. Since the steering wheel is not vibrating, the issue is more than likely from the rear of the car.
How do you install a rear view mirror bracket? ›- Remove the mounting button from the rearview mirror. ...
- Apply heat to the windshield. ...
- Clean the windshield and remove old adhesive. ...
- Make your mark. ...
- Apply an activator. ...
- Place glue on the mounting button. ...
- Attach the mirror to the bracket.
Rearview mirror syndrome (RMS) refers to a subconscious phenomenon where we constantly relive and recreate our past. We mistakenly believe that who we were is who we are, thus limiting our true potential in the present.
Can you fix side view mirror? ›You don't have to replace the entire side view mirror assembly just because the glass is broken. Side mirror repair is a do-it-yourself project that is usually inexpensive.
Can I use super glue for rearview mirror? ›Effective! This glue works fine. Once I had the metal and glass surfaces clean and dry, it took about ten minutes to complete the process. There are two compounds, you apply the first one to both the glass and the metal, and wait a minute.
What kind of glue to use on a rear view mirror? ›3M™ Rear View Mirror Adhesive permanently bonds the rear view mirror bracket to windshields. Our two-part structural acrylic adhesive is specially formulated to bond two non-porous materials together.
Will Gorilla Glue hold a rear view mirror? ›Will Gorilla Super Glue Work on a Rearview Mirror? Much like regular super glue, Gorilla glue is not designed to hold metal to glass or to be used for reattaching a rearview mirror.
How do you glue a side view mirror? ›You can use a large, flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry out pieces and avoid damaging the mirror housing. Apply car mirror glue. Apply the car mirror glue to the back of the mirror half an inch from each tip and reinstall the mirror. Once it is in place, wipe away any overflowing glue with a wet rag.
Why does my side mirror shake when I drive? ›You might have wheels that are unbalanced or suspension parts that are worn down and transmitting vibration which is making your mirrors vibrate. if your car is rear wheel drive it can also be an unbalanced driveshaft or the U joints are worn down.
How do you adjust the side mirrors on a truck? ›- Rotate both flat mirrors side to side until the inside edge picks up the left and right rear corners of the truck.
- Tilt both flat mirrors up or down until the rear corner targets are visible in the bottom edge of the mirror.
When should your rear view mirror be adjusted? ›
Since vehicle vibrations can cause the mirror to move in small increments, you may also need to adjust the rearview mirror after you start driving. DRIVING SAFETY: Only make rearview mirror adjustments when the vehicle is stopped. Check your rearview mirror every time you time you get in the driver's seat.
When your side view mirrors are adjusted properly you should see? ›Sit comfortably in the driver's seat and lean your head about four inches to the right. Adjust the mirror out until you can barely see the side of your vehicle in the left side of the mirror.
What kind of glue to use on a car mirror? ›The best glue for car mirrors
Your best bet is an epoxy glue for car side mirrors or any other glue or adhesive that's labelled for use on mirrors, such as an automotive silicone mirror adhesive. Silicone adhesives are a good choice due to their strength and elasticity.
Mirror syndrome, also called Ballantyne syndrome, is a rare condition in pregnancy, defined by the presence of the clinical triad of fetal hydrops, placentomegaly and maternal oedema.
Why do rear-view mirrors bulge? ›The centre of a convex mirror bulges outward, allowing light to fall directly on the item. Because it can diverge the rays that fall on its surface after reflection, it's also known as a diverging mirror.
What causes mirroring behavior? ›A set of specific nerve cells in the brain called mirror neurons are responsible for mirroring. One common situation occurs when a person laughs. Scientists have found that the brain responds to the sound of laughter and prepares the muscles in the face to also laugh.
Does AutoZone fix side mirrors? ›When broken windows or mirrors occur, AutoZone has the high-quality replacement for your ride.
Can mechanics fix side mirrors? ›Where Can You Get Your Side Mirror Fixed? You have three options when it comes to replacement: let the dealership do it, buy the part and do it yourself, or buy the part and have mechanics do it for you.
How much does it cost to fix a side rear view mirror? ›On average, replacing a side mirror comes with a cost of $299. The total price is typically broken down into two sections, the materials, and the labor. For materials, you're looking for anywhere between $139 and $328, and for the labor, you may pay up to $90.
How much does it cost to fix a loose side mirror? ›On average, replacing a side mirror comes with a cost of $299. The total price is typically broken down into two sections, the materials, and the labor. For materials, you're looking for anywhere between $139 and $328, and for the labor, you may pay up to $90.
How do you secure a mirror to the back frame? ›
Put a thin bead of silicone around the edge of the mirror or inside lip of the frame. Carefully align the mirror to the back and press it into place. If the picture frame has a backing material, you could also attach the mirror to that instead and use it to secure the mirror inside the frame.