2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
The rear-view mirror is simple in design, and as a rule, it is only necessary to disassemble it if the mechanical element is damaged. For example, if it is cracked or the repeater is burned out. If the case also looks "tired", then the product is usually replaced as an assembly with a non-original one. But sometimes there are no affordable analogues, and the original costs a lot of money. In this case, you need to do your own repairs. Let's talk about how to disassemble the rearview mirror and repair it.
Top causes of failures
As noted above, most often mirrors crack due to mechanical damage. Since this is the widest part of the car, it suffers first. In addition, mirrors can beelectric or manual adjustment. In addition, some mirrors fold automatically, others mechanically, and others do not fold at all.
The more functions, the more complex the device and less reliable. If in a clumsy mirror with mechanical adjustment a priori the cable cannot fail, since it does not exist, then in an automatic folding mirror this cause of failure is quite common. But in any case, there is no need to panic, since everyone can disassemble the rear-view mirror, and now we will look at exactly how to do this and what you may encounter in the process.
Position and adjustment
Before proceeding with the dismantling of the mirror, you need to figure out how to fix it. On some cars, mirrors are mounted on the fenders, but this is extremely rare these days. Fastening is realized with the help of special studs through the car body.
But most often the mirrors are placed on the pillars of the front driver's and passenger's doors. They are fastened with several studs through a nut. If a function such as electrical adjustment is installed in the car, then microcircuits are located in the case, they break quite often, which causes the need for repair work.
How to disassemble the outside rear view mirror
Often the possibility of self-repair is on budget cars, this applies to both foreign cars and domestic cars. The first step is to remove the mirror from the door pillar. This is done quite simply. First, the studs are unscrewed, the wiring harness is disconnected from the block. Now we can move the mirror to a more convenient location.
It is often quite difficult to remove the mirror element from the case. But it's always possible. To do this, we need a building hair dryer, with which we will heat the plastic case. It must be heated over the entire area and evenly. Only then will it be possible to dismantle the mirror element. The fixing adhesive that holds the mirror in place when heated loosens. Many motorists try to disassemble in the cold, but this is not necessary, since in the process you can break something that is still intact.
Continue work
After the case has been heated, it is necessary to proceed to the next step. It consists in detaching the mirror element from the fixing adhesive. Even when the building hair dryer has worked, it is not so easy to do. We will need a flat wooden spatula, which is inserted between the mirror and the surface on which the glue is applied. Gradually we try to remove the part and at the same time not break anything. You can also use an ordinary flat screwdriver, however, it is advisable to wrap it in rags, so there is less chance of damaging anything. Thus, it is possible to disassemble the rear-view mirror of a Gazelle or another domestic car. But we didn't end there.
Rear-view mirrors on different brands of cars differ significantly. Some are collapsible, others are not. But often the principlework progress is saved. If it is possible to disassemble the mirror housing and repair the mechanism, then this must be done. Usually plastic covers are attached with special tongues. You need to press them and drag the cover towards you. We try not to break the fasteners, as they are quite fragile. After the product is completely disassembled, you can start repairing it.
Performing repairs
Since we managed to disassemble the side rear-view mirror, then it is necessary to proceed to the inspection of the mechanisms. It is clear that we dismantled it not just like that, but for the purpose of repair. That is why we replace all failed parts with new ones. Most often, due to mechanical damage, the mirror element fails. We put a new one, preferably the original one, and enjoy the result.
But another common problem is stretched cables for the mirror adjustment mechanism. In this case, they must be replaced. It does not make sense to pull them, because soon they will stretch again, and you will have to climb into this knot again. In any case, it is necessary to change everything that has worn out or is suspicious. It can be cables, worn wires, a scratched or broken mirror element, or even the case.
How to disassemble the interior rearview mirror
It is less prone to mechanical damage. Often, disassembly of this mirror is necessary if it has a dimming mechanism or a built-in rear view camera andetc. In general, if there is no electronics in the mirror, then you hardly need to go there, unless, of course, you decide to install it.
As for fastening, it is usually implemented through a suction cup to the windshield or to the ceiling using self-tapping screws. The first option is more preferable, but less reliable. Removing this mirror is easy. In the second case, it is necessary to remove the ceiling lining (not in all cases), and only then will it be possible to get to the fasteners.
The case, as in previous cases, is heated with an industrial hair dryer and disassembled. There is nothing complicated here. For mounting on the windshield, it is advisable to use a small amount of glue. It usually effectively holds the part for several years.
Important details
Please note that sometimes it is not possible to disassemble the rearview mirror yourself. "Mercedes" of the latest generation, "Audi" or BMW do not give such an opportunity to the owner. A mirror element separately from the body can only be found from a used disassembly, and it will not be cheap. Often only the complete product is sold.
Some motorists try to work on mirrors without removing them from their seats. Doing this is not worth it. First, it's inconvenient. Secondly, the likelihood of damage to the car's paintwork increases. For example, a screwdriver may come off while detaching the mirror element. If she scratches the body, then it is very unpleasant. That is why, before disassembling the mirrorrear view, it is recommended to first remove it from the mounts.
Summarize
The process may differ depending on the brand of car and the functionality of the mirror. For example, if it is mechanical (without heating, etc.), then it is dismantled in a few minutes, you only need to unscrew a few studs. Since disassembling the left rearview mirror is tantamount to disassembling the right one, you can start with any. They are similar in design and have no differences. But do not forget that if the mirror is automatically adjusted (electrically heated, etc.), then it is harder to remove and repair it, especially if you do not have certain knowledge.
In general, the dismantling process is extremely simple. Even a beginner who understands little about the device of a car will cope with this. Don't forget to get multi-component glue. Since after dismantling the old mirror element, it is advisable to remove the old glue and put a new mirror on a fresh one. In this case, you can not worry that something will fall off soon. Many modern cars are equipped with Chinese rear-view mirrors. Almost all of them are no different from the original ones, but cost "nothing at all". If you have found those for your car, then it is more profitable to buy a complete part than to repair it. Now you know how to disassemble the rearview mirror and what there may be nuances.
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