how to fix a broken car sun visor

[JosiahRose]

Fixing a broken car sun visor is often a straightforward DIY job. The most common issues are a broken clip, a loose mounting screw, or a sagging visor that won't stay up. The repair process typically involves removing the visor, diagnosing the specific failure point, and then either tightening hardware, replacing a small plastic clip, or installing a new visor altogether. For many vehicles, this is a 15-30 minute fix requiring only basic tools like a screwdriver and a plastic trim removal tool. Common Sun Visor Problems and Solutions | Problem | Typical Cause | Repair Difficulty | Estimated Parts Cost | Recommended Fix | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Visor sags, won't stay up | Worn-out internal torsion spring | Moderate | $5 - $15 (for clip/spring kit) | Replace internal spring or entire visor | | Plastic clip on roof is broken | Clip snapped from age or force | Easy | $8 - $25 (for new clip) | Replace the roof-mounted clip | | Visor is loose, wobbles | Loose mounting screw | Very Easy | $0 (if screw is present) | Tighten the screw at the pivot point | | The mirror cover is broken | Hinge or lid is cracked | Easy to Moderate | $10 - $40 (for new visor) | Replace the entire visor assembly | | Visor detaches from roof | Broken mounting plate or screw post | Moderate | $15 - $80 (for new visor) | Replace the entire visor | The first step is always diagnosis. Gently try to move the visor. If it wobbles, check the screw head cover (often a small plastic piece that pries off) and tighten the screw beneath it with a Phillips or Torx screwdriver. If the visor sags, the issue is internal. You'll need to remove the visor by unscrewing it from the roof and the front clip. Once off, you can often find repair kits online specific to your car model that include a new torsion spring and clip. If the plastic mounting point on the roof itself is broken, you may need to replace that anchor clip, which can be slightly more involved. For extensive damage or if a simple fix doesn't work, replacing the entire visor unit is the most reliable solution. You can find affordable OEM-style visors at auto parts stores or online retailers.

[VanEloise]

Pop the little plastic cap off the screw at the pivot point. Nine times out of ten, it's just loose. Tighten it up with a screwdriver and you're done. If that's not it, the clip that holds the other end is probably cracked. You can order a new one for like ten bucks. Pry the old one out, pop the new one in. Super easy. No need to pay a mechanic for a five-minute job.

[VonKaden]

If it's just sagging and you need a quick, temporary fix until you can get it properly repaired, a strong hook-and-loop fastener (like Velcro) can work. Stick the soft side on the roof header and the rough side on the top edge of the visor. It's not pretty, but it will hold it up. Alternatively, a small, powerful magnet wrapped in electrical tape on the visor and a corresponding metal washer placed on the roof headliner can also serve as a magnetic catch. This is purely a temporary solution to restore functionality.

[VanLola]

Before you start taking things apart, check your vehicle's warranty. Some manufacturers cover interior components like sun visors under the bumper-to-bumper warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. Even if you're out of warranty, call the dealership parts department. Sometimes, a known visor flaw has a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), and they might offer a goodwill repair or a discounted part. It's worth a five-minute phone call before you attempt a repair that could void any remaining coverage.

[AnastasiaAnn]

I'm all for fixing things myself, but with a sun visor, you have to be careful with the headliner—that's the fabric on the roof. If you yank on the visor too hard, you can tear it, and that's a much more expensive fix. Go slow. Use a plastic trim tool, not a metal screwdriver, to pry off any covers. When you order a replacement clip or visor, make sure it's specifically for your car's make, model, and year. A 2020 F-150 clip might not fit a 2021. If you get stuck, there's probably a detailed YouTube video for your exact car. Watch it first, then decide if you're comfortable doing it.