How to Solve Rearview Mirror Squeaking?
4 Answers
The noise is usually caused by insufficient lubrication of the torsion spring inside the rearview mirror. You can remove the rearview mirror cover and spray some BMW adhesion lubricant on both ends of the spring. Then manually fold and unfold the rearview mirror to see if the squeaking disappears. You can repeat the process of spraying, folding, and unfolding multiple times until the noise is gone. This is likely due to the expansion of sealing components in hot weather combined with insufficient lubrication. This usually happens when the car is dirty, and rain or car washing washes tiny debris onto the rearview mirror base and sealing components.
I've repaired many rearview mirror issues on cars, and the abnormal noises usually come from loose mirror glass, worn internal clips, or aging electric motor mechanisms. You can check it yourself when parked: first, listen to the location of the sound and close the windows to eliminate wind noise; then gently shake the rearview mirror by hand to feel if it's loose—if the fixing screws are loose, try tightening them with a wrench. If there's a clicking sound from internal moving parts, it might be due to insufficient lubrication—spraying some dedicated automotive lubricant can help. As for electric rearview mirror noises, they're mostly caused by wiring harness friction or motor wear, requiring disassembly for cleaning or part replacement. From a safety perspective, excessive noise can distract you, so don't overlook rearview mirror cleaning during regular maintenance. Periodic checks can reduce such troubles.
My car also often has squeaky rearview mirrors. A simple fix is to start with the tools at hand. Most of the time, it's due to loose screws or dirt stuck in them. I've tried tightening the screws with a screwdriver in the garage, and the effect was immediate. Sometimes, it's because the mirror has aged and shifted, and a gentle adjustment of the angle can quiet it down. For electric rearview mirrors, if the motor area is noisy, you can clean the dust with a damp cloth and see if it helps. Remember, driving safety is important. If the noise is too loud and distracts you while driving, go to a repair shop immediately to check the electrical mechanism. Don't let a small issue turn into a big problem.
I find the clicking sound from the rearview mirror quite annoying, so I'm focusing on whether I can quickly fix it myself. Common causes include wear at the mirror's mounting points or debris blockage. I personally use cotton swabs to clean out any debris in the gaps. For power-adjustable mirrors, if the noise comes from the motor area, it might be due to a damp or loose wiring harness—just dry it and resecure it. While driving, be careful to avoid scraping or hitting it. When parking, check for any loose parts and adjust or reinforce them. This can prevent the noise issue from worsening and ensure safe driving.
