Are you tired of that bulky rearview mirror mount cluttering up your dashboard? Is it wobbling around, obscuring your view, and driving you to the brink of distraction? Well, worry no more! Removing the rearview mirror mount is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes with the right tools and techniques. Whether you’re looking to switch to a different mount, sell your car, or simply want a cleaner aesthetic, this guide will provide you with the step-by-step instructions you need to tackle this task with ease. So grab your tools and let’s get started!
To begin, gather the necessary tools, including a flathead screwdriver or pry tool, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a clean cloth. Locate the base of the rearview mirror mount where it connects to the windshield. Carefully insert the flathead screwdriver or pry tool into the gap between the mount and the windshield. Gently pry the mount away from the windshield, being careful not to damage the glass. Once the mount is loose, use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding it in place.
With the screws removed, the rearview mirror mount should come off easily. Simply lift it up and away from the windshield. Use the clean cloth to wipe away any remaining adhesive or residue from the windshield and the mount. If you’re not planning on reusing the mount, you can discard it. However, if you want to keep it for future use, make sure to store it in a safe place where it won’t get damaged.
Detaching the Mirror Head
### Gently Pry the Mirror Head Loose
To detach the mirror head, begin by carefully inserting a plastic or wooden pry tool or a flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth between the mirror head and the base of the windshield. Avoid using metal tools, as they can scratch or damage the glass.
### Work Slowly and Gradually
Apply gentle pressure to the pry tool while simultaneously pulling the mirror head towards you. Work slowly and gradually, avoiding sudden or excessive force that could break the mirror or damage the windshield. Continue prying and pulling until the mirror head pops loose from the base.
### Support the Mirror Head
As the mirror head loosens, be sure to support it with your other hand to prevent it from falling and damaging the vehicle or yourself. Grip the mirror head firmly and carefully detach it from the base. Take care not to scratch or damage the mirror surface or the windshield during this process.
Note: If you encounter significant resistance or feel any reluctance in detaching the mirror head, do not force it. Stop and consult a professional for assistance to avoid damaging the vehicle.
Tip: Warming the adhesive around the mirror base with a heat gun or hair dryer can help loosen it and make removal easier.
Accessing the Mirror Mount
The first step is to remove the plastic cover on the base of your rear view mirror. It is usually held in place by two or three small screws. Once the cover is off, you will see the main mirror mount, which is connected to the windshield by a series of bolts or screws.
| Type of Mount | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Bolt-on Mount | Unscrew the bolts holding the mount to the windshield. |
| Screw-on Mount | Unscrew the screws holding the mount to the windshield. |
| Adhesive Mount | Carefully use a pry tool to remove the mount from the windshield. |
Depending on the type of mount you have, you will need either a screwdriver or a wrench.
Once you have loosened the bolts or screws, you can gently pry the mirror mount away from the windshield. Be careful not to damage the windshield or the mirror mount.
Removing the Retaining Nuts
The retaining nuts are what hold the rear-view mirror mount in place. To remove them, you will need a 10mm socket wrench or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Once you have the tools you need, follow these steps:
- Locate the retaining nuts on the underside of the rear-view mirror mount. There will be two nuts, one on each side.
- Use the socket wrench or needle-nose pliers to loosen the nuts. Do not remove them completely yet.
- Once the nuts are loose, you can carefully lift the rear-view mirror mount off of the windshield. Be careful not to drop the mount, as it could break.
Here is a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the retaining nuts on the underside of the rear-view mirror mount. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Use a 10mm socket wrench or needle-nose pliers to loosen the nuts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | Once the nuts are loose, carefully lift the rear-view mirror mount off of the windshield. |
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the connectors apart. | Be careful not to damage the wires or connectors. |
| If the connectors are difficult to pry apart, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently squeeze the connectors together while pulling them apart. | Again, be careful not to damage the wires or connectors. |
| Once the connectors are disconnected, you can remove the mirror mount from the vehicle. | To do this, simply pull the mount straight out of the windshield. |
Avoiding Mirror Damage
When removing the mirror mount, it is important to take precautions to avoid damaging the mirror itself. Here are some tips to help prevent damage:
- Use a soft cloth or towel to protect the mirror. Place the cloth or towel over the mirror before starting to remove the mount.
- Be careful not to apply too much pressure to the mirror. Use a gentle touch when removing the mount.
- Do not use any sharp objects to pry the mount off. This could damage the mirror.
- If the mount is stuck, use a hair dryer to heat it up. This will make it easier to remove.
- Once the mount is removed, inspect the mirror for any damage. If there is any damage, you may need to replace the mirror.
- To prevent future damage, clean the mirror regularly and avoid applying too much pressure to it.
Using Appropriate Tools
When removing the rear view mirror mount, it is crucial to have the right tools for the job. The following are essential tools you will need:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Crowbar (optional)
- Pry bar (optional)
- Trim removal tool (optional)
Step 7: Removing the Mount
Once you have located the mounting bolts, use the appropriate screwdriver to carefully remove them. Grip the mount firmly and gently pull it down and off the windshield. In some cases, you may encounter some resistance. If so, use the pry bar or crowbar (wrapped with a cloth to prevent scratches) to carefully pry the mount away from the windshield. Avoid excessive force to prevent damaging the windshield or the mount itself.
In some vehicles, the rear view mirror mount may be secured with additional clips or bolts. If this is the case, use the appropriate tools to remove these additional fasteners before attempting to remove the mount.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Phillips screwdriver | Removing mounting bolts |
| Flat-head screwdriver | Prying or removing clips |
| Crowbar (optional) | Gently prying the mount off the windshield |
| Pry bar (optional) | Gently prying the mount off the windshield |
| Trim removal tool (optional) | Removing clips or trim panels around the mount |
Reinstalling the Rear View Mirror
Once the mount has been removed, you can reinstall the rear view mirror by following these steps:
- Clean the mounting surface on the windshield with a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. This will ensure that the adhesive bond between the mirror and the windshield is strong.
- Apply a thin bead of mirror adhesive to the back of the mirror mount. Do not use too much adhesive, as this can make it difficult to position the mirror correctly and can also cause the mirror to fall off.
- Carefully align the mirror mount with the mounting surface on the windshield and press it into place. Hold the mirror in place for a few seconds to allow the adhesive to set.
- Once the adhesive has set, adjust the mirror to the desired position.
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely before driving the vehicle. This will ensure that the mirror is securely attached to the windshield.
- If you have any difficulty reinstalling the rear view mirror, consult a qualified mechanic.
Additional Tips:
- Use a high-quality mirror adhesive that is specifically designed for automotive use.
- Make sure the windshield and the back of the mirror mount are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
- Do not apply too much pressure when pressing the mirror mount into place, as this can damage the windshield.
- Allow the adhesive to dry completely before driving the vehicle, as this will ensure that the mirror is securely attached to the windshield.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for reinstalling the rear view mirror:
Step Action 1 Clean the mounting surface on the windshield. 2 Apply a thin bead of mirror adhesive to the back of the mirror mount. 3 Align the mirror mount with the mounting surface on the windshield and press it into place. 4 Adjust the mirror to the desired position. 5 Allow the adhesive to dry completely before driving the vehicle. Tightening the Retaining Nuts
Once the mirror is in place and the retaining nuts are finger-tight, you can use a wrench to tighten them further. However, be careful not to overtighten the nuts, as this could damage the mirror or the windshield.
To tighten the nuts, insert the wrench into the slot on the back of the nut and turn it clockwise. Tighten the nuts until they are snug, but do not overtighten them.
Step Description 1 With the mirror in place position the retaining nuts over the mirror mount stud(s) 2 Finger tighten retaining nuts onto studs by turning them clockwise 3 Insert rearview mirror mounting tool or suitable wrench into the slot on the back of the nut 4 Gently but firmly, turn the wrench clockwise to tighten both retaining nuts equally 5 Continue to tighten the nuts until they are snug – do not overtighten Once the nuts are tightened, you can check the mirror to make sure that it is securely attached. If the mirror is loose, you can tighten the nuts further. However, if the mirror is too tight, you may need to loosen the nuts slightly.
Safety Precautions
Before beginning any repairs, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
- Disconnect the battery to prevent accidental electrical shocks.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges.
- Use proper tools for the job, such as a screwdriver or wrench.
Removing the Rear View Mirror Mount
To remove the rear view mirror mount, follow these steps:
- Locate the screws that hold the mount in place. These screws are usually located on the bottom or the sides of the mount.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
- Grip the mount and pull it straight down to remove it from the windshield.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Unable to Locate the Mounting Screws
If you cannot find the mounting screws, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or search online for instructions specific to your make and model.
Screw Heads are Stripped
If the screw heads are stripped, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grip the screw and turn it out. You can also try using a rubber band between the screwdriver and the screw head for better grip.
Mount is Stuck to the Windshield
If the mount is stuck to the windshield, use a plastic pry tool or a credit card to gently pry it loose. Be careful not to damage the windshield.
New Mount Does Not Fit
If the new mount does not fit, ensure that you have purchased the correct mount for your vehicle. You may also need to adjust the position of the mount on the windshield.
Mount is Loose
If the mount is loose, tighten the mounting screws. You may also need to apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the mount for added security.
Mirror Vibrates
If the mirror vibrates, tighten the mounting screws. You may also need to adjust the position of the mirror to reduce vibration.
Mirror Does Not Stay in Place
If the mirror does not stay in place, tighten the mounting screws. You may also need to clean the windshield and the back of the mirror to remove any dirt or debris that may be interfering with the adhesive.
Mirror is Too High or Too Low
If the mirror is too high or too low, adjust the position of the mount on the windshield. You may also need to adjust the mirror itself.
Mirror is Off-Center
If the mirror is off-center, loosen the mounting screws and adjust the position of the mount until the mirror is centered. Then, tighten the mounting screws.
Mirror is Shaking
If the mirror is shaking, tighten the mounting screws. You may also need to replace the mirror if it is loose or damaged.
How to Remove the Rear View Mirror Mount
The rear view mirror mount is a small but important part of your car. It holds the rear view mirror in place and allows you to adjust it to your desired position. Over time, the mount can become loose or damaged, which can make it difficult to see out of the rear view mirror. If you need to remove the rear view mirror mount, here are the steps to follow:
- Park the car in a safe location and turn off the engine.
- Locate the two screws that hold the mount in place. They are usually located on the bottom of the mount.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws.
- Once the screws are removed, carefully lift the mount off of the windshield.
- If the mount is stuck, you may need to use a pry tool to gently pry it off.
- Once the mount is removed, you can replace it with a new one.
People Also Ask
How do I remove the rear view mirror mount without breaking the windshield?
Use a pry tool to gently pry the mount off of the windshield. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could crack the windshield.
Can I remove the rear view mirror mount myself?
Yes, you can remove the rear view mirror mount yourself. However, if you are not comfortable working on your car, it is best to take it to a mechanic.
What tools do I need to remove the rear view mirror mount?
You will need a screwdriver and a pry tool to remove the rear view mirror mount.
