The rear view mirror is simple in design, and as a rule, it is necessary to disassemble it only in case of damage to the mechanical element. For example, if it cracked or burned out the turn signal. If the case also looks "tired", then usually the product is changed to an unoriginal assembly. But sometimes there are no analogues at a price, and the original costs a lot of money. In this case, it is necessary to do independent repair. Let's talk about how to disassemble the rear view mirror and repair it.
The main causes of malfunctions
As already noted above, most often mirrors crack due to mechanical damage. Since this is the widest part of the car, it suffers in the first place. In addition, mirrors can be electrically or manually adjusted. In addition, some mirrors fold automatically, others mechanically, and others do not fold at all.
The more features, the more complex the device and the less reliable. If in a clumsy mirror with mechanical adjustment a priori a cable cannot fail, because it is not there, then in an automatic folding mirror this cause of breakdown is quite common. But in any case, you don’t need to panic, since everyone can disassemble a rear-view mirror, and now we will consider how to do this and what you may encounter in the process.
Location and adjustment
Before proceeding with the dismantling of the mirror, it is necessary to understand the method of mounting it. On some cars, mirrors are mounted on the wings, but now this is extremely rare. Mounting is implemented using special studs through the car body.
But most often mirrors are placed on the racks of the front driver and passenger doors. Fastened with several studs through a nut. If a function such as electric 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 rearview 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 dismantle the mirror from the door pillar. This is done quite simply. First, the studs are unscrewed, the wiring harness from the block is disconnected. Now we can move the mirror to a more convenient place.
It is often difficult to remove the mirror element from the housing. But it is always possible. To do this, we need a building hair dryer, with which we will heat the plastic case. It must be heated throughout the area and evenly. Only after this will it become possible to dismantle the mirror element. The fixing adhesive that holds the mirror when heated is loosened. Many motorists try to disassemble in the cold, but this is not necessary, since in the process you can break down what else is whole.
We continue to work
After the case has been heated, you must proceed to the next step. It consists in disconnecting the mirror element from the fixing adhesive. Even when the building hair dryer worked, it's not so easy. We will need a flat wooden spatula, which is pushed between the mirror and the surface on which the glue is applied. Gradually try to remove the part and do not break anything. You can use a regular flat screwdriver, however, it is advisable to wrap it in rags, so there is less chance of damaging anything. Thus, you can disassemble the rearview mirror of the Gazelle or another domestic car. But we did not end there.
Rear-view mirrors on different brands of cars are significantly different. Some are collapsible, others not. But often the principle of the work is maintained. If it is possible to disassemble the mirror housing and repair the mechanism, then this must be done. Typically, plastic covers are attached using special tabs. They must be pressed and drag the lid towards you. We try not to break the mounts, as they are quite fragile. After the product is completely disassembled, you can begin to repair it.
Repair work
Since we managed to disassemble the side rear-view mirror, then we need to proceed to the inspection of the mechanisms. It is clear that we took it apart for a reason, 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, preferably original, and enjoy the result.
But another common problem is the stretched cables of the mirror adjustment mechanism. In this case, they must be replaced. It makes no sense to pull them, since 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 causes suspicion. It can be cables, worn wires, a scratched or broken mirror element, or even a case.
How to disassemble a salon rearview mirror
It is less susceptible to mechanical damage. Often, disassembling a given mirror is necessary if it has a dimming mechanism or a built-in rear view camera, etc. In general, if there is no electronics in the mirror, then you hardly need to climb there unless, of course, you decide to install it.
As for the mount, 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. To remove such a 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 by an industrial hairdryer and disassembled. There is nothing complicated here. For mounting on the windshield, it is advisable to use a small amount of glue. Usually it effectively holds the part for several years.
Important details
Please note that sometimes it is not possible to disassemble the rear-view 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 with used disassembly, and it will cost a lot. Often, only the complete product is sold.
Some motorists try to do work on mirrors without removing them from their seats. Do not do this. Firstly, it is inconvenient. Secondly, the likelihood of damage to the paintwork of the car increases. For example, a screwdriver may come off while detaching the mirror element. If she scratches the body, then this is very unpleasant. That is why, before disassembling the rear-view mirror, it is recommended to first remove it from the mounts.
To summarize
The process may vary depending on the make of the 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 need to unscrew only a few studs. Since disassembling the left rearview mirror is equivalent to disassembling the right, you can start from any. They are similar in design and have no differences. But do not forget that if a mirror with automatic adjustment (electric heating, etc.), then it is harder to remove and repair, especially if there is no certain knowledge.
In general, the dismantling process is extremely simple. Even a novice who understands little about the device of a car will cope with this. Do not forget to get multi-component glue. Since after dismantling the old mirror element, it is advisable to remove the old glue and put the new mirror on a fresh one. In this case, you can not worry that soon something will fall off. Many modern cars have Chinese rear-view mirrors. Almost all of them are no different from the original ones, but they cost "nothing at all." If you find those on your car, then it’s more profitable to buy the assembled part than to repair it. Now you know how to disassemble a rearview mirror and what nuances there may be.