When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Did I take apart something I wasn’t supposed to. Taking apart rear view mirror for painting, and cannot work how it goes back together. I have been able to remove the ball part of the joint, and half of the ball socket. However the metal plate that cups the plastic socket has slipped deep inside the mirror and is well and truly jammed in there.
Is there a way to remove the plastic tab that ‘dips’ the mirror when lights behind are too bright, and will doing so release the tension that is jamming the metal piece?
Or am I buying a new used assembly?
You'll need to carefully pry the lens from the housing. Start in the middle where its more pliable. This will give you access to the inside. You can paint it then and reassemble the stem and clamp before snapping the lens back in place. If you break it, then, you'll be shopping for another.
What keeps the mirror from being so wobbly when it’s mounted back in the car? Took mine down to have the headliner replaced and now it’s very wobbly. It was loose before but not how it is now.
What keeps the mirror from being so wobbly when it’s mounted back in the car? Took mine down to have the headliner replaced and now it’s very wobbly. It was loose before but not how it is now.
Chances are, you're missing the small standoff that sits on a peg on the mirror stem and wedges the mirror against the inside of the windshield. The mirror isn't a rigid mounted item. It's meant to have some play and to break free its mount in case of an impact. (an occupants head hitting it in a crash scenario) The standoff keeps it from flopping while still allowing a "soft" mounting.
If you did not have the standoff before dropping the headliner, and it moves more now, then I'd say something was re assembled wrong. Not sure what that could be, its only 2 screws. The stands offs are still available, or I know some have used a small piece of vacuum hose cut to the right length.
If the mirror is wiggling in its stall, maybe tighten the screw on the back of the mirror which clamps the socket side of the ball and socket assembly together.
if the stalk is wiggling in the interior light assembly, maybe it is not clipped all the way back in. It clicks into the interior light assembly via two tabs, circled in the pics.
Oddly enough my stand off that Banzai mentions is missing, but mirror doesn’t wiggle.
Just happen to have mine apart right now, and learning as I go.
Last edited by Slow_sevens; Feb 24, 2024 at 07:39 PM.
Chances are, you're missing the small standoff that sits on a peg on the mirror stem and wedges the mirror against the inside of the windshield. The mirror isn't a rigid mounted item. It's meant to have some play and to break free its mount in case of an impact. (an occupants head hitting it in a crash scenario) The standoff keeps it from flopping while still allowing a "soft" mounting.
If you did not have the standoff before dropping the headliner, and it moves more now, then I'd say something was re assembled wrong. Not sure what that could be, its only 2 screws. The stands offs are still available, or I know some have used a small piece of vacuum hose cut to the right length.
i do have the standoff. Going to make sure it’s sitting in place right and screwed down properly.
What's the part number for the standoff? I didn't realize they are still available.
I ordered mine from PAC Performance. This is an Australian company that sells parts for the RX-7. These little things aren’t cheaper either. It doesn’t matter where you find it, it’s not going to be cheap. The price on the website is not in dollars. It’s not going to be as much as the listed price. I have ordered several things from them without any issues.
Looks like it would be about $41.50 USD with the current exchange rate from PAC Performance right now. For that much money I think it makes sense to find an OEM part state side that isn't a reproduction item.
I'm not sure you'll find it stateside at the dealer. The original P/N is 8871-69-232. I'm sure it was used on other vehicles, but not sure of those Prefix's. There are some things that are only found in Japan or Australia. Phils Rotary sells em too, but yes, they are expensive. I usually buy a few things from Phill's at a time, so that shipping makes better sense.
Looks like it would be about $41.50 USD with the current exchange rate from PAC Performance right now. For that much money I think it makes sense to find an OEM part state side that isn't a reproduction item.
Just make one! It's a little plastic tube, and mine was installed due to a recall (lol) to fix mirror vibrations. I would just cut a short piece of plastic tubing, long enough to apply a bit of pressure. You could even attach a self adhesive bumper to the end that rests against the windshield.
