If you recently broke your side view mirror you might only have to replace the glass and not the entire assembly. Find out how to tell if you should remove the side view mirror glass or the whole assembly and which part is the right replacement with the tips in this article and video.
Video: Should I remove and replace the side mirror assembly or the glass?
How to Tell If You Need to Remove and Replace the Entire Side View Mirror or Only the Glass
Steps to take to tell if you should replace the side view mirror or the glass
- Inspect the Mirror Glass for Cracks or Damage
If the mirror glass is damaged, like with cracking, and it still seems like it’s okay to drive with, you’ll still need to replace the mirror glass at the least. One way to replace the mirror glass is with a new side view mirror, but you can also remove and replace the mirror glass alo. The mirror glass in this example, while still providing the driver with a view, is broken enough so that it will need to be replaced.
- Test the Mirror Glass Motor and Electricals
If the mirror has electrical or motor functions, those will also need to be working. Adjust the motors from the master switch panel, pressing UP, DOWN, LEFT and RIGHT and confirm it’s working. Test the other electrical functions like blinker lights and automatic folding.
- Assess the Mirror for Looseness, Broken Internals, and Damage
Put on gloves and touch the mirror. Feel if it’s loose or if any internal parts have disconnected. If there’s internal damage, you might not be able to attach new mirror glass and will have to replace the whole assembly.
The mirror in this example has faded and aged, and there’s corrosion where the mirror pivots. It’s better to replace the entire mirror assembly due to how worn it is.
If the plastic housing on the assembly only has paint scuff marks or scratches and the remaining parts work fine and the mirror isn’t shaking, it’s not necessary to replace the mirror.
Can I Replace Side View Mirror Glass or the Side View Mirror Myself?
Tools needed
- Screwdriver
- Door trim panel removal tools
- Sockets and ratchet
- Pick
- Painters Tape
Planning on replacing the entire side view mirror? Save money by replacing it yourself
Replacing the side view mirror is an easier repair you can try on your vehicle. While it’ll vary in difficulty and steps and time depending on the vehicle, you can save a lot of money by doing this repair yourself with little to no experience and learn more about your car.
Steps for a typical/common side view mirror repair
- Remove trim pieces and screws from the door panel
- Loosen the door panel from the door with door trim removal tools
- Disconnect the electrical connectors from the door switches
- Disconnect the side view mirror electrical connector
- Remove the bolts from the side view mirror
- Remove the side view mirror
- Reverse these steps to reinstall
Typical steps to replace the side view mirror glass
Replacing the side view mirror glass is done safest with masking tape. To protect your hands from broken glass, wear gloves.
- Place tape over the entire surface of the glass to protect it from breaking.
- Unclip the mirror glass from the side view mirror with a pick or small screwdriver
- Disconnect any wiring harnesses from the mirror glass and inspect them for damage
- Wipe down the side view mirror assembly with a paper towel and confirm there are no loose parts
- Confirm the new mirror’s tabs match the tabs on the old mirror
- With the mirror internals lined up, push the mirror at the center to click and lock it in
Check out our tips in this article for side view mirror installation tips, including what to do when replacing the mirror glass.
Learn how to replace the mirror glass yourself with our tips here, including how-to videos that are model specific.
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