How to Remove a Rear View Mirror: A Comprehensive Guide
Removing a rear view mirror might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s a manageable DIY project. Whether you’re replacing a broken mirror, installing a new one with advanced features, or simply need to remove it for windshield repairs, understanding the process is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods for removing different types of rear view mirrors, providing detailed steps and helpful tips along the way.
Why Remove a Rear View Mirror?
There are several reasons why you might need to remove your rear view mirror:
* **Replacement:** The mirror might be damaged, cracked, or simply outdated.
* **Windshield Repair:** Auto glass technicians often need to remove the mirror to properly repair or replace the windshield.
* **Upgrade:** You might want to upgrade to a mirror with features like auto-dimming, a built-in compass, or a backup camera display.
* **Tinting:** Removing the mirror can make it easier to tint the windshield without gaps.
* **Aesthetic Reasons:** Some people prefer a cleaner look without a bulky mirror.
Understanding Different Types of Rear View Mirrors
Before you start, it’s important to identify the type of rear view mirror you have. This will determine the removal method.
* **Button-Mounted Mirrors:** These mirrors are attached to a button (a small metal disk) glued directly to the windshield. This is the most common type.
* **Wedge-Mounted Mirrors:** These mirrors slide onto a wedge-shaped bracket attached to the windshield.
* **Camlock Mirrors:** Similar to wedge-mounted mirrors, camlock mirrors use a cam-locking mechanism to secure the mirror to the bracket.
* **Screw-Mounted Mirrors:** Less common in modern vehicles, these mirrors are attached with screws to the windshield frame or headliner.
* **Integrated Mirrors:** Some newer vehicles have mirrors integrated with rain sensors, lane departure warning systems, or other advanced features. These require extra care when removing.
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools will make the removal process much easier and safer. Here’s a list of essential tools:
* **Small Screwdriver Set:** A set of screwdrivers with various sizes and head types (Phillips and flathead) will be necessary for loosening screws or releasing clips.
* **Putty Knife or Plastic Trim Tool:** These tools are used to gently pry or wedge components without scratching or damaging the windshield or surrounding parts.
* **Heat Gun or Hair Dryer (Optional):** Applying gentle heat can soften adhesive and make removal easier, especially for button-mounted mirrors.
* **Safety Glasses:** Protect your eyes from debris.
* **Gloves:** Protect your hands and provide a better grip.
* **Painter’s Tape:** To mark the original position of the mirror on the windshield before removal.
* **Glass Cleaner:** To clean the windshield after removing the mirror.
* **Isopropyl Alcohol:** To remove adhesive residue.
* **Razor Blade or Adhesive Remover (Optional):** For stubborn adhesive residue.
* **Mirror Removal Tool (Optional):** A specialized tool designed for removing button-mounted mirrors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing a Button-Mounted Rear View Mirror
This is the most common type of rear view mirror. Follow these steps carefully:
1. **Preparation:**
* Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and allow the windshield to reach a moderate temperature. Avoid working on a cold windshield, as the glass is more susceptible to cracking.
* Put on safety glasses and gloves.
* Use painter’s tape to mark the original position of the mirror on the outside of the windshield. This will help you reinstall the mirror in the same spot later.
2. **Locate the Set Screw (if applicable):**
* Some button-mounted mirrors have a small set screw that secures the mirror to the button. Look for a small screw (usually a Phillips head or Torx) on the underside of the mirror, near where it connects to the button. If you find one, loosen it slightly, but don’t remove it completely.
3. **Apply Heat (Optional):**
* If the mirror feels tightly attached, use a heat gun or hair dryer to gently warm the button and the area around it. Apply heat for a few minutes, moving the heat source around to avoid overheating any one spot. This will soften the adhesive and make removal easier.
4. **Twist and Slide (or Push Upwards):**
*There are typically two main ways that these mirrors are attached:*
* **Twist and Slide Method:** Hold the mirror firmly with both hands and try to twist it slightly while gently sliding it upwards towards the headliner (or downwards depending on mirror orientation). Apply steady pressure, but avoid forcing it. The mirror should eventually slide off the button.
* **Direct Push Method:** Some mirrors require a direct forceful push in the direction of the headliner. These types often have a very tight fit. You may need to wiggle the mirror back and forth gently while applying upward pressure.
5. **Use a Mirror Removal Tool (Optional):**
* If you have a specialized mirror removal tool, follow the instructions provided with the tool. These tools are designed to grip the mirror and apply controlled pressure to release it from the button.
6. **Dealing with Stubborn Mirrors:**
* If the mirror is still stuck, try applying more heat and repeating the twisting and sliding or pushing motion. You can also try using a plastic trim tool or putty knife to gently pry between the mirror base and the button. Be extremely careful not to scratch the windshield.
* **Important:** Avoid using excessive force, as this can damage the windshield or the mirror.
7. **Clean the Windshield:**
* Once the mirror is removed, use a razor blade or adhesive remover to carefully scrape off any remaining adhesive residue from the windshield. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
* Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining residue. Finally, clean the windshield with glass cleaner.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing a Wedge-Mounted Rear View Mirror
Wedge-mounted mirrors are easier to remove than button-mounted mirrors. Here’s how:
1. **Preparation:**
* Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
* Put on safety glasses and gloves.
* Use painter’s tape to mark the original position of the mirror on the outside of the windshield.
2. **Locate the Set Screw (if applicable):**
* Some wedge-mounted mirrors have a small set screw that secures the mirror to the wedge. Look for a small screw on the underside of the mirror, near where it connects to the wedge. If you find one, loosen it slightly, but don’t remove it completely.
3. **Slide the Mirror Upwards:**
* Grasp the mirror firmly and slide it upwards towards the headliner. It should slide off the wedge-shaped bracket. You may need to apply a bit of force, but avoid excessive force.
4. **Release the Locking Mechanism (if applicable):**
* Some wedge-mounted mirrors have a locking mechanism that needs to be released before the mirror can be removed. This mechanism might be a small lever or button located on the underside or back of the mirror. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to release the locking mechanism.
5. **Clean the Wedge (if necessary):**
* If you are replacing the wedge, you may need to remove the old wedge from the windshield. This is usually done by loosening a screw or releasing a clip. Be careful not to damage the windshield.
* Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining residue. Finally, clean the windshield with glass cleaner.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing a Camlock Rear View Mirror
Camlock mirrors are similar to wedge-mounted mirrors but use a cam-locking mechanism. Here’s how to remove them:
1. **Preparation:**
* Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
* Put on safety glasses and gloves.
* Use painter’s tape to mark the original position of the mirror on the outside of the windshield.
2. **Locate the Cam Lock:**
* The cam lock is usually a small lever or button located on the underside or back of the mirror. It might be labeled with an arrow or a lock/unlock symbol.
3. **Release the Cam Lock:**
* Depending on the design, you might need to push, pull, or rotate the cam lock to release it. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
4. **Slide the Mirror Off:**
* Once the cam lock is released, the mirror should slide off the bracket. You may need to apply a bit of force, but avoid excessive force.
5. **Clean the Bracket (if necessary):**
* If you are replacing the bracket, you may need to remove the old bracket from the windshield. This is usually done by loosening a screw or releasing a clip. Be careful not to damage the windshield.
* Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining residue. Finally, clean the windshield with glass cleaner.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing a Screw-Mounted Rear View Mirror
Screw-mounted mirrors are less common in modern vehicles but are still found in some older models. Here’s how to remove them:
1. **Preparation:**
* Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
* Put on safety glasses and gloves.
2. **Locate the Screws:**
* The screws are usually located on the base of the mirror, where it attaches to the windshield frame or headliner. There might be one or more screws.
3. **Remove the Screws:**
* Use a screwdriver of the appropriate size and head type to remove the screws. Be careful not to strip the screw heads.
4. **Remove the Mirror:**
* Once the screws are removed, the mirror should come loose. If it’s stuck, gently wiggle it back and forth until it comes free.
5. **Clean the Mounting Area:**
* Clean the mounting area with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing Integrated Rear View Mirrors
Removing integrated rear view mirrors, which often include features like rain sensors, lane departure warning systems, or other advanced technologies, requires extra caution due to the sensitive electronics and wiring involved. It’s highly recommended to consult your vehicle’s service manual or a qualified technician before attempting to remove these types of mirrors.
**Disclaimer:** *The following instructions are a general guide and may not apply to all integrated rear view mirrors. Always refer to your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions.* In many cases, **it is best to leave this type of removal to professionals.**
1. **Preparation:**
* Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical shorts.
* Put on safety glasses and gloves.
* Consult your vehicle’s service manual for specific instructions and wiring diagrams.
2. **Locate and Disconnect Wiring Harnesses:**
* Carefully locate any wiring harnesses connected to the mirror. These harnesses usually have locking connectors that need to be released before they can be disconnected.
* Use a small screwdriver or plastic trim tool to gently release the locking connectors. Avoid pulling on the wires themselves.
* **Important:** Take pictures of the wiring connections before disconnecting them to ensure you can reconnect them correctly later.
3. **Detach the Mirror from the Windshield:**
* Integrated mirrors are often attached to the windshield using a button-mounted or wedge-mounted system, similar to standard rear view mirrors. Follow the appropriate instructions for removing those types of mirrors (see above).
* Be extra careful when detaching the mirror, as there might be delicate sensors or components attached to it.
4. **Remove Any Remaining Components:**
* Once the mirror is detached, carefully remove any remaining components, such as rain sensors or lane departure warning cameras. These components might be attached with screws, clips, or adhesive.
* Store the removed components in a safe place.
5. **Clean the Windshield:**
* Use a razor blade or adhesive remover to carefully scrape off any remaining adhesive residue from the windshield. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
* Clean the area with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining residue. Finally, clean the windshield with glass cleaner.
Reinstalling the Rear View Mirror
Once you’ve removed the old rear view mirror, you can install a new one. The installation process is generally the reverse of the removal process. Here are some general tips:
* **Button-Mounted Mirrors:**
* Clean the button on the windshield and the base of the new mirror.
* Align the mirror with the marked position on the windshield.
* Slide the mirror onto the button until it clicks into place. You may need to apply a bit of force.
* Tighten the set screw (if applicable).
* **Wedge-Mounted Mirrors:**
* Clean the wedge on the windshield and the base of the new mirror.
* Slide the mirror onto the wedge until it clicks into place. You may need to apply a bit of force.
* Tighten the set screw (if applicable).
* **Camlock Mirrors:**
* Clean the bracket on the windshield and the base of the new mirror.
* Slide the mirror onto the bracket.
* Engage the cam lock to secure the mirror in place.
* **Screw-Mounted Mirrors:**
* Align the mirror with the mounting holes.
* Insert the screws and tighten them securely.
* **Integrated Mirrors:**
* Reconnect the wiring harnesses, making sure they are securely locked.
* Attach any remaining components, such as rain sensors or lane departure warning cameras.
* Attach the mirror to the windshield using the appropriate method (button-mounted or wedge-mounted).
* Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Tips and Precautions
* **Be Patient:** Don’t rush the removal process. Apply steady pressure and avoid using excessive force.
* **Protect the Windshield:** Be careful not to scratch or crack the windshield. Use plastic trim tools or putty knives to pry components, and avoid using metal tools directly on the glass.
* **Consult the Owner’s Manual:** Your vehicle’s owner’s manual might contain specific instructions for removing the rear view mirror.
* **Seek Professional Help:** If you’re not comfortable removing the rear view mirror yourself, or if you’re dealing with an integrated mirror, it’s best to seek professional help from a qualified technician.
* **Safety First:** Always wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from debris and sharp edges.
* **Work in a Well-Lit Area:** This will help you see what you’re doing and avoid mistakes.
* **Disconnect the Battery (for Integrated Mirrors):** Disconnecting the negative battery terminal will prevent electrical shorts when working with integrated mirrors.
* **Take Pictures:** Take pictures of wiring connections before disconnecting them to ensure you can reconnect them correctly later.
* **Clean Thoroughly:** Clean the windshield and the mirror mounting area thoroughly before reinstalling the mirror.
* **Use the Right Tools:** Using the right tools will make the removal process easier and safer.
Conclusion
Removing a rear view mirror is a relatively simple DIY project, but it’s important to understand the different types of mirrors and the appropriate removal methods. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and successfully remove your rear view mirror without damaging your vehicle. Remember, if you’re unsure about any step, it’s always best to consult a professional.