Replacing side view mirror

[WaNabe]

I found two posts, but neither answered this question fully.

I purchased the whole mirror (glass and plastic assembly). I already removed the old backing from the automatic square thing. I can't pop the new one back on over the piece though.

Anyone know what to do?

Thanks

[wolfman]

For the life of me I have no idea what pieces you are referring to...

To change the entire outside side mirror assembly, pop off the inner front door piller trim and the foam insulation to gain access to the three NUTS that secure the mirror to the doorframe. Remove the three nuts, and wiggle the mirror free from the holes that the bolts (attatched to the mirror housing) go through. Disconnect the electrical connector and then remove the mirror.

Install is reverse.

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

And if you are just trying to replace the mirror glass only, pry it off as carefully as possible with a screwdriver in the only slot opening on it. Be careful, because you can easily break the retaining tabs for the power adjusting mechanisms.... once it is off, you will see how to put the new one on. it only goes on one way, just snaps on there with one good umph.... BTW, use a cloth or rag when putting hte new one on and taking old one off. If the glass breaks when pulling off, it hurts like a mofo!

Hope either I or wolfman answered your question.

Hopefully you are just replacing the whole mirror assembly. Just the glass is a huge hassle, and only has about a 50% success rating amongst even the best of technicians.... at least at daytons 2 dealers....

[WaNabe]

Unfortunately I am only replacing the glass. The whole assemby is too much money. I know there is probably some special tool Saturn has devised to do this, but I don't have it. Just like changing the oil in a VUE myself, can't just use a regular ol' socket wrench now. :zzz:

Yes, you have been helpful. I'll just take it to the dealer, watch how they do it, and pay them the 40 bucks for their ten minutes of labor.

I already got it off, I'm afraid I'll break the glass putting it back on. If I take it in, at least they'll pay if it breaks, instead of me.

thanks.

[IMkenNY]

I have tried as well and it is not possible to remount the glass/plastic base as a unit without breaking the center support to some degree because of the way the center support is keyed.

The glass black plastic base must be attached to the center support and then screwed into the mirror body before you install the mirror glass. (once the glass is installed there is no way to access the screws for the center support)

I am not sure if it is possible to get a mirror glass off a base without breaking it, heat may work

Saturn does sell just the mirror glass for ~$30.00 or you can get them on ebay for about 1/2 the dealer cost.

[Bullet]

You could give this a shot also,

http://www.innerauto.com/Saturn_Parts/Saturn_Mirrors/

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

It will come off, you just have to sweet talk it and be gently rough with it. It isnt easy, and is an acquired skill. I learned the hard way.....:D