Reasons for Abnormal Noise in Electric Mirror Folding
3 Answers
Abnormal noise during mirror folding is generally caused by insufficient lubrication of the torsion spring inside the mirror. Below are the related reasons and solutions for abnormal noise in electric vehicle mirrors: 1. Causes of abnormal noise: You can disassemble the mirror cover, spray lubricant on both ends of the spring, then manually fold and unfold the mirror to see if the noise disappears. Repeat the process of spraying, folding, and unfolding multiple times until the noise is eliminated. If the noise is a grinding, buzzing, hissing, or creaking sound, it is likely due to issues with the seals at the mirror base transition. 2. Patterns of abnormal noise occurrence: One scenario is during hot summer weather, which is likely due to seal expansion from heat combined with insufficient lubrication. Another scenario is after rain or car washing, where noise typically occurs because the car is dirty, and rain or washing causes small debris to adhere to the mirror base and seals. 3. Solutions: 1. Manually fold and unfold the mirror, cleaning all visible rotating components in both folded and unfolded positions. 2. After cleaning, wipe all parts dry with a fiber cloth. 3. Once dry, apply WD-40 rust remover and lubricant to the rotating parts, spraying during both folding and unfolding movements.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered several instances where the electric folding mirrors made squeaking or clicking noises, primarily due to aging or malfunctioning mechanical components. If the gears inside the motor wear out or don't rotate smoothly, friction sounds occur during operation. Accumulated dust, grime, or rust at the hinges can also cause the joints to stick, leading to unnecessary noise. Motor overheating or unstable voltage may similarly result in buzzing sounds. I make it a habit to regularly clean the base of the mirrors with a soft brush to remove dirt and apply lubricant spray to ensure smooth operation. If the noise persists, avoid forcing the mirrors to fold, as this could damage the circuitry—prompt professional inspection is necessary. During significant temperature fluctuations, plastic parts are more prone to expansion and contraction issues, so try to park away from rain. These small maintenance steps can save a lot on repair costs and ensure driving safety.
I use my car for daily commuting, and it's quite common for the power-folding mirrors to make strange noises, sounding like something is rubbing, sometimes accompanied by vibrations. There are several possible causes: cold weather causing metal parts to contract and harden, leading to rough movement; rainwater corrosion causing rust and sticking; or small stones getting stuck in the rotating gears. Improper motor control can also produce odd buzzing sounds. Once, I ignored the noise, and the mirror ended up completely stuck, costing me hundreds to repair. Since then, whenever I hear a sound, I check it myself: first, I gently fold the mirror a few times to dislodge any debris; then, I wipe it dry or apply a thin layer of protective oil. If the noise persists, I take it to a technician—delaying repairs can compromise safety. Faulty mirrors can affect reversing visibility, so prompt action is key. Developing a habit of parking in dry areas can prevent many issues.