What Causes the Noise When Folding the Rearview Mirror?
3 Answers
Noise when folding the rearview mirror is generally caused by insufficient lubrication of the torsion spring inside the mirror. You can remove the rearview mirror cover, spray lubricant on both ends of the spring, and 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. Patterns of noise occurrence: One scenario is during hot summer weather when the sealing components expand due to heat, combined with insufficient lubrication. Another situation is after rain or car washing, as the vehicle may be dirty, and tiny debris washed by rain or water can adhere to the mirror base and sealing components. Solution: Manually extend and retract the rearview mirror, cleaning all visible rotating components connected to the mirror during extension and retraction. After wiping clean, apply WD-40 rust-preventive lubricant to the moving parts, spraying during both folding and unfolding. Gaps or misalignments between plastic and wiring components, especially after prolonged exposure to sunlight, can lead to such issues, causing abnormal noises due to loosening when the vehicle is on bumpy roads. Electrical current noises inside the car mostly occur right after starting, especially during a cold start, when audio systems, air conditioning, wipers, or other devices are activated immediately or automatically. These noises usually disappear once the engine warms up or the vehicle stabilizes during driving.
The issue of abnormal noise during power-folding mirror operation is quite common, primarily caused by dried-up or depleted lubricant in the hinge mechanism. Prolonged exposure to weather evaporates the grease, resulting in metal-on-metal friction sounds. It could also stem from internal component loosening or dust ingress - like corroded or loosened screws/springs that creak during folding. My own vehicle developed this after years of use, resolved by applying specialized mirror lubricant spray (select the correct type - regular motor oil damages plastic components). Left untreated, the noise accelerates wear, potentially leading to complete mechanism seizure requiring costly repairs. Don't overlook these details during maintenance - simple cleaning and lubrication prevents major repairs. Drying hinge areas post-carwash also helps - prevention always beats cure.
A noisy folding rearview mirror is mostly caused by mechanical issues, such as lack of lubrication in the pivot or severe bearing wear. Especially for power mirrors, accumulated dust on the motor gears or aging racks can produce screeching sounds during operation. As someone who frequently repairs cars, I suggest first visually inspecting the folding mechanism for any looseness and applying some silicone-based lubricant to reduce friction. For more severe cases, disassembly may be necessary to check for damaged components that need replacement. Don't overlook the possibility of wiring harness interference; poor positioning can cause collision noises. Addressing the issue early is crucial, as neglecting it may lead to folding function failure. While it doesn't significantly impact driving, it can be quite bothersome psychologically. Regularly using compressed air to remove dust can also help delay such problems.
