Why is the rearview mirror constantly making noise?
3 Answers
Rearview mirror constantly making noise may be caused by insufficient lubrication, or dust and sand particles entering the rotating parts, causing abnormal friction and noise. Definition of rearview mirror: 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. Adjustment methods of rearview mirror: Divided into external adjustment type and internal adjustment type. The external adjustment type is done by manually adjusting the position of the mirror frame or mirror surface while the car is parked to complete the angle adjustment. This method is time-consuming and laborious, requiring the driver to reach out of the window to adjust while seated, making it inconvenient during driving, rainy weather, etc. Generally, large vehicles, trucks, and low-end buses use the external adjustment method to reduce costs. The internal adjustment type is further divided into manual adjustment type (cable transmission adjustment or handle adjustment) and electric adjustment type.
Back then, I was driving long distances, and the rearview mirror kept squeaking. I checked several times and found that it was mostly caused by loose screws in the mirror bracket. After prolonged driving, the vibrations can cause the screws to loosen, and if not tightened, the noise appears. Alternatively, aging plastic parts rubbing against each other can create noise, and over time, this can wear out the bracket. At the time, I used a wrench to tighten the screws, and the noise immediately reduced, but it recurred after a while, so I ended up replacing the bracket entirely. An unstable rearview mirror can be very dangerous while driving, especially at high speeds, as it might detach and block your view. I recommend regularly checking all mounting points, using lubricant to prevent rust, and not forgetting to clean the base of the mirror during car washes to prevent dust buildup. Safety is more important than anything else—preventing accidents is key. Repair costs aren’t high, but ignoring the issue could lead to bigger problems.
The rattling rearview mirror on my old car was driving me crazy, so I took it apart to investigate. It might be an issue with the electric adjustment motor. When dust accumulates on the motor gears, it causes stiffness during rotation, leading to squeaking noises. Alternatively, loose power cables causing unstable current can also result in strange sounds. I cleaned the motor, blew away the dust with compressed air, and applied some machine oil, which mostly solved the problem. However, be careful during the process to avoid damaging the circuits. Now it runs much smoother. Electric rearview mirrors are convenient but require proper maintenance—neglect leads to noise. Addressing issues early saves hassle and ensures safety. Rearview mirrors are crucial for positioning and designed with aerodynamics in mind. Ignoring this can distract drivers and affect focus. Before DIY repairs, use reliable tools and disconnect the battery to prevent electric shocks—don’t overlook safety details. Also, maintaining steady driving speed reduces vibration sources.