How to Replace a Broken Side View Mirror: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips for Replacing a Broken Side View Mirror Yourself

Replacing a side view mirror on your car might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it can be a manageable DIY project. Whether your mirror is damaged due to an accident or wear and tear, this guide will walk you through the process of replacing it yourself, saving you time and money.

Determine which repair or side mirror replacement method you need

There are two ways to deal with a broken side view mirror: 1) Replace just the glass, or 2) Replace the entire mirror assembly. If you’ve just cracked the glass, you can find replacement mirror glass from an auto parts store or online seller like mirrorglassplus.com.  However, to determine if your vehicle mirror is a candidate for glass only, examine the mirror for damage to the motor or and cracked retainers.

This image shows a side view mirror that’s damaged beyond repair. It must be replaced. The glass retention bracket is missing and the motor connection points are damaged.

This drawing shows how replacement glass fits into the backing plate, but only if the backing plate hasn’t been damaged. Image: mirrorglassplus.com

The mirror glass is attached to a plastic backing plate. You can replace just the glass if you haven’t damaged the backing plate or the motor mechanism.

However, there are some exceptions to this. For example, some companies sell the replacement side mirror glass already attached to the backing plate. In those applications, you simply unsnap the broken glass/backing plate from the mirror assembly and snap on the replacement side mirror.

So check with suppliers to find a glass and backing plate product if your backing plate is damaged.

Tools and Materials Needed To Replace Your Side Mirror

Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials:

Replacement side view mirror or replacement glass (ensure it matches your car’s make and model)
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Socket set
Torx bits (if needed)
Trim removal tool
Masking tape
Electrical tape (if your mirror is powered or heated)
Safety gloves
Protective eyewear

If it’s just broken glass, purchase replacement side view mirror glass

Any impact can break the side view mirror glass. But that

You can replace just the glass on this broken side view mirror

doesn’t mean you have to replace the entire mirror. Many companies sell replacement glass.

Start by examining the mirror to determine whether the glass is glued to the power motor plate or whether it is mounted in its own frame. If you’re not sure, check online with the sources listed below to see if the replacement glass is sold with just the glass or the glass already glued into a frame.

If your side view mirror glass is glued to the power window plate

You’ll have to remove the broken pieces and scrape off the adhesive before you can install new glass, which is the hardest part of the job.

Wear eye protection and leather gloves. Use a small pry bar and cover the floor with a tarp to collect the broken shards as they break off. Use a putty knife to scrape off the old adhesive.

If your side view mirror is glued into a frame

Don’t bother removing the broken pieces. Instead, unsnap

the frame from the power mirror motor assembly. If you’re unsure how the frame unsnaps from the mirror head, consult a shop manual. See these options for shop manuals.

Purchase replacement side view mirror glass

Purchase side view mirror glass online

Most online auto parts stores sell replacement side view mirror glass replacements. Just make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. If your side view mirror is

Framed side view mirror glass

heated, has turn signal indicators, is auto-dimming or includes blind spot detection warning

lights, you must replace the glass with the correct version. If you order the wrong glass, you’ll have to pay return shipping

Replacement side view mirror glass cost

Plane glass can cost as little as $15 while heated, auto-dimming, and glass with turn signal and lane departure warning lights can cost as much as $150—glass only.

Installing plain glass into side view mirror

This image shows how to apply the glass to the adhesive on the backing plate

Some replacement glass comes with tape. Do NOT rely on double-sticky backed tape. It will fail after a few years and the glass will fall off. Purchase glass adhesive or rubber adhesive from any auto parts store to attach the mirror. Do NOT use household silicone adhesive; it won’t stand up to the elements.

Framed glass

Snap the new glass into the power mirror head

Replace a broken side mirror with a new unit

Here’s the deal with replacing a broken side view mirror assembly. You can buy OEM mirror assemblies from the dealer and pay a small fortune or buy a far less expensive aftermarket replacement from online sellers. Either way, you will have to paint the mirror yourself or pay a body shop to paint it for you. NOBODY sells new prepainted mirrors. If you don’t want to deal with painting the mirror, you can leave it plain plastic, or you can search online junkyards for a used mirror in the right color.

Make sure the replacement mirror assembly has the same features as the broken mirror, like auto-dimming, heated, turn or blind spot signal lights, etc.

Painting a replacement side view mirror

Replacement mirrors should be primed with a plastic compatible primer. Start by masking off the glass with painter’s tape. Then wipe the plastic with alcohol to remove fingerprints before painting. Hang the mirror in a dust free location and apply the primer coat. Wait for it to dry before proceeding with the paint.
Purchase a small can of spray touch up paint using your vehicle’s color code and apply over the primer. Wait the recommended “flash time” and then apply a clear coat layer. Let the paint dry completely before installing the new mirror.

Installing a replacement side view mirror onto your vehicle

Consult a shop manual if you’re not sure how to remove the old mirror. In most cases, you remove the interior trim panel covering the mirror bolts. However, on other vehicles you must remove the interior door trim panel. That’s not a hard job if you have a shop manual handy to show you where the hidden fasteners are and the order of removal. I strongly encourage you to get a professional shop manual before you try this repair. Alldatadiy.com and eautorepair.net are two great sources. You’ll still save a lot of money on this repair, even after paying for a shop manual. You can also contact your local public library to see if they offer access to online shop manuals.

Unsnap the interior trim piece covering the side mirror. That gives you access to two or three mirror mounting bolts. Then remove the bolts and install the new mirror. . Remove the bolts and the broken mirror will be free.

Connecting the mirror’s electrical connectors

The only way to fix this is to replace the entire mirror assembly. Gluing this back together will NOT last

Depending on the vehicle, the electrical connectors may be accessible without removing the door trim panel. However, other vehicles require you to remove the trim panel to access the connectors. In that case, consult a shop manual to locate the door trim panel fasteners.

Replacing a side view mirror isn’t hard, but a shop manual makes the job much easier.

©, 2019 Rick Muscoplat