Can the folding gear of the rearview mirror be repaired?
4 Answers
The folding gear of the rearview mirror can be repaired by replacing it with a new set of gears. The rearview mirror is a tool that allows the driver to directly obtain external information about the rear, side, and lower parts of the car while seated in the driver's seat. Rearview mirrors can be classified by their adjustment methods: 1. Exterior adjustment: This method involves manually adjusting the position of the mirror frame or mirror surface while the car is parked to achieve the desired viewing angle. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to complete conveniently in one go. The driver needs to reach out of the car window to adjust the mirror while seated, which is very inconvenient during driving or in rainy conditions. 2. Interior adjustment: This method provides a more convenient way for the driver to adjust the rearview mirror while driving, allowing for better observation of the rear view.
A couple of days ago, my car's side mirror got stuck while folding, making an annoying creaking sound. At first, I thought it was a minor issue, but upon opening it, I found the gear was worn out. I asked a mechanic, and he told me that gears can indeed be repaired, but it depends: plastic gears usually need replacement if broken, while metal ones just need cleaning and lubrication if jammed. I tried cleaning it with alcohol and applying some grease, which worked for a few days, but the problem soon returned. Actually, this is quite common—moisture or sand gets into the mirror housing, slowly corroding the gears. If not fixed properly, the mirror might not open when parking, increasing the risk of scratches, so it's better to address it early. DIY repairs can be a bit risky; be careful not to break the glass when removing the housing, and simple tools will do. In the end, I went to a shop and replaced the entire gear set, costing over 400 yuan, which felt worth it. Usually, try to keep the mirrors dry and spray some rust inhibitor periodically to prevent such issues.
As someone who loves tinkering with cars, I often repair small components myself. If the folding gear of the rearview mirror is broken, it can definitely be fixed. Start with the basics: first, turn off the power and unplug the rearview mirror connector to prevent short circuits; then remove the rearview mirror cover and carefully disassemble it with a screwdriver. Check if the gear is stuck or has broken teeth—if it's dirty, use a fine brush to clean out the sand particles, then spray some WD-40 for lubrication. If the gear is severely broken, replacement gears are available online for just a few dollars each, and you can install them yourself. The key is to use the right tools and avoid forcing anything to prevent damaging the motor. Last time I fixed my own car, I found that after lubrication, the sound became much smoother, but if the wear is severe, it's better to replace the part to prevent further damage. Overall, the repair cost is much lower than replacing the entire rearview mirror, which can easily cost hundreds or even thousands. I recommend checking out repair videos for guidance, but if you really can't manage it, just spend a little money at an auto repair shop for peace of mind.
The folding gear in the side mirror can be repaired. I've seen many similar faults during my over ten years of car repair experience. Most cases involve aging plastic or metal gears or debris jamming them. Simple fixes include cleaning and lubrication; for severe breakage or deformation, the gear unit needs replacement. DIY is not recommended due to the mirror's precise structure—incorrect handling can easily bend the shaft. It's best to visit a professional shop where they use tools to inspect the gear's condition, applying lubrication or replacing parts as needed. A full repair typically costs between 100 to 300, depending on the car brand and model. Don’t forget to check related wiring, such as the folding motor's functionality, to avoid secondary issues after fixing the gear. Address it promptly to prevent risks, like winter freezing that could crack the mirror if the gear gets stuck.
