Hello All,
I am new to the forum and recently bought a 2013 37S Convertible. The fold in side mirrors are loose and vibrate when you hit bumps. It is very annoying do you know of any way to tighten them up?
Thanks
Bill

 

Depends on where the mirror is loose. If the mirror is loose where it pivots, there are 3 bolts (torx-type if I recall) you could check (red circle in photo). If the entire mirror assembly is loose where it mounts to the door frame, you will have to remove the interior door panel and check the 3 mounting nuts (blue circle in photo).

 

I have the same issue. Seems to be the housing where the mirror is rather than the whole assembly where it attaches to the door. I don't see any holes for any type of screws on the bottom side of the housing so not sure how to tighten it either. It is very annoying.

 

You have to remove the lower plastic cover/trim piece first (purple circle, #4, in picture)

 

 

Find the edge of the cover and slide your fingernail, credit card, or other thin, sturdy plastic tool between the cover and the housing. Use a little twisting motion while working along the edges of the cover and pull down. If you are brave enough you could use a butter knife or thin spatula- obviously being careful with metal on plastic and near painted surfaces.

Take it nice and easy. The cover is only held on by a few clips. Onve you get it started it will likely pop off 1-2-3. Do not yank on it like a bull loose in a china shop and you should be okay. However, don't force it.

 

Well the cover comes off easy enough but all three of the bolts are snug so that's not the issue. The whole housing that the mirror sits in jiggles with any bumps but those three screws don't seem to be the problem.

 

I was able to remove the cover to access the 3 T25 Torx screws. The screws were tight but I tightened them up anyway to make sure. The mirrors are still loose and wiggle about 1/16” - 1/8”

Any other ideas?

 

If the mirror is loose at the "pivot point" then the internal spring is either weak or improperly aligned. I found this pic on Reddit. It is a from a Sentra but the mirror design is the same for the (non-power) folding mirrors:


You can try folding the loose mirror in and out a few times to see if that tightens the spring somewhat. If not, and if the "wobble" annoys you that much, you will either have to replace the entire mirror or perhaps wedge some foam tape between the base and the mirror housing to take up some of the slack.

 

Thanks, but I have power folding mirrors. Do you think that would make a difference?

 

Yes and no. Even with the power fold there is still a spring that puts tension on the two halves. The same suggestions apply except I would use a non-adhesive foam strip and try to tuck that in as close to the pivot as possible.

Out of curiosity, do you routinely fold/ unfold your mirrors? Mine fold when I lock the doors/ unfold when the car is started and even with this moderate use I have no "free play."

 

Appreciate the suggestion. The car is new to me... I only recently bought it. It is a 2010 with 122K miles. I manual opened and closed the mirrors but nothing improved my situation.