How to dismantle a rear-view mirror and collect it back?

Rearview mirror design is simple, and as a rule, it must be dismantled only in the event of damage to the mechanical element. For example, if it is a cracked or blown repeater. If the body also looks "tired", then usually the product is changed to non-original assembly. But sometimes there are no analogues available at the price, but the original costs a lot of money. In this case, you need to do self-repair. Let's talk about how to dismantle the rearview mirror and repair it.

Main causes of malfunctions

As already noted above, most mirrors crack because of mechanical damage. Since this is the widest part of the car, it suffers first. In addition, the mirrors can be electrically or manually adjusted. In addition, some mirrors are added automatically, others are mechanically, and others do not add up at all.

The more functions, the more complex the device and the less reliability. If a cable with a mechanical adjustment a priori can not fail cable, because it is not, then in the automatic folding mirror, this cause of breakdown occurs quite often. But in any case, we do not need to panic, since we can disassemble the rear-view mirror for everyone, and now we'll look at how to do it and what can be encountered in the process of work.

Location and adjustment

Before dismantling the mirror, it is necessary to understand the method of fixing it. On some cars, the mirrors are mounted on the wings, but at present this is extremely rare. Fastening is realized with the help of special pins through the body of the car.

But most of the time mirrors are placed on the front driver's and passenger's front doors. Fastened with several pins through the nut. If the car is equipped with a function such as electrical adjustment, then the housing is a chip, they are often broken, which causes the need for repair work.

How to disassemble the exterior rearview mirror

Often the possibility of self-repair is available on budget cars, this applies to foreign cars as well as to domestic cars. The first step is to dismantle the mirror from the door pillar. This is done quite simply. First, the pins are removed, the wiring harness is disconnected from the shoe. Now we can move the mirror to a more convenient place.

It is often difficult to remove a mirror element from the case. But this is always possible. To do this, we need a building hair dryer, which we will warm the plastic case. It must be heated throughout the area and evenly. Only after this, you will be able to dismantle the mirror element. The fixing glue holding the mirror when heated, is weakened. Many motorists try to perform cold dismantling on the cold, but you do not need to do this, because in the process you can break down what is still a whole.

We continue the work

After the case has been heated, it is necessary to proceed to the next stage. It consists in disconnecting the mirror element from the fixing glue. Even when a construction hair dryer has worked, it is not so easy to do. We need a flat wooden spatula, which is shoved between the mirror and the surface on which the glue is applied. Gradually, we try to extract the part and do not break anything. You can use the usual flat screwdriver, however, it is desirable to wrap it in rags, so there is less chance of damage. Thus, you can disassemble the rear-view mirror "Gazelle" or another domestic car. But on this we are not finished.

Rearview mirrors on different brands of cars are significantly different. Some are collapsible, others are not. But often the principle of performance of works remains. If it is possible to disassemble the mirror housing and repair the mechanism, then this must be done. Usually, plastic covers are attached using special tabs. They need to press and pull the lid on themselves. We try not to break the fasteners, as they are quite fragile. After the product is completely dismantled, you can start repairing it.

Performance of repair work

Since we were able to disassemble the rear-view mirror, it is necessary to proceed with the inspection of the mechanisms. It is clear that we dismantled it not just so, but for the purpose of repair. That's why all the failed parts are changed to new ones. Most often, due to mechanical damage, the mirror element fails. We put a new, preferably original, and rejoice in the result.

But another common problem is the stretched cables of the mirror adjustment mechanism. In this case, they are subject to replacement. To tighten them does not make sense, because soon they will again be pulled, and you will have to climb into this knot once again. In any case, it is necessary to change everything that has worn or causes suspicion. These can be cables, worn wires, a scratched or broken mirror element or even a casing.

How to disassemble the interior rearview mirror

It is less susceptible to mechanical damage. Often, disassembly of this mirror is necessary if it has a darkening mechanism or built-in rear-view camera, etc. In general, if there is no electronics in the mirror, then it is hardly necessary to climb there, unless you decided to install it.

With regard to fastening, it is usually realized through the suction cup to the windshield or to the ceiling with the help of self-tapping screws. The first option is more preferable, but less reliable. It is very easy to remove such a mirror. 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 fastening elements.

The case, as in previous cases, is heated by 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. Usually it effectively holds the part for several years.

Important details

Please note that sometimes it is not possible to independently disassemble the rear-view mirror. "Mercedes" of the last generation, "Audi" or BMW does not give such an opportunity to the owner. Mirror element separately from the body can only be found from the disassembly of used, and it will cost not cheap. Often sold only the product in the collection.

Some motorists try to do the work on the mirrors without removing them from their seats. Do not do this. First, it is inconvenient. Secondly, the likelihood of damage to the car's LCP increases. For example, a screwdriver can jump off during the detachment of the mirror element. If it scratches the body, it's very unpleasant. That is why, before dismantling the rear-view mirror, it is recommended to first remove it from the fasteners.

Let's sum up the results

The process may differ depending on the brand 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 just a few pins. Since dismantling the left rearview mirror is equivalent to disassembling the right one, you can start with anyone. They are similar in construction and do not have any differences. But do not forget that if the mirror with automatic adjustment (electric heating, etc.), it is harder to remove and repair, especially if there is no specific knowledge.

In general, the process of dismantling is extremely simple. Even a beginner can cope with this, which understands little in the device of the car. Do not forget to get multicomponent glue. Since after the dismantling of the old mirror element, it is desirable to remove the old adhesive and put a new mirror on a fresh one. In this case, you do not have to worry that something will fall off soon. Many modern cars are produced by Chinese rear-view mirrors. Almost all of them do not differ from the original ones, but they stand "just nothing." If you find those on your car, then it's more profitable to buy a part in the assembly than to repair it. Now you know how to disassemble the rearview mirror and what may be the nuances.