Someone bumped my driver side mirror on my '97 and now it swivels freely (will not sit still when driving). There is a shaft that the mirror housing sits on and around the shaft is a spring that is compressed with a retaining ring. That ring has popped off. Has anyone successfully reinstalled that ring? I have had no luck and the dealership mechanic said a new mirror must be ordered (and I trust him - he's got a '97 as well and had same problem). I may resort to using epoxy to eliminate the 'free swivel' but wanted forum feedback if there's a better fix. Thanks in advance,

 

I had to replace my mirror. I paid $178 at my local dealer, then had it painted for $30. I replaced it myself. It's really pretty simple.

I have no clue if you get in there to work on it. I'll see if I have the old one still around. If so, I'll look at it and let you know if you can get to the insides.

 

Had the same thing happen to my 97 but on the passenger side...there were a few ideas on a fix but nothing solid...what I did was remove it from the door and take the mirror off (held on with silicone) remove the workings. Then go to home depot and buy some piano wire (used to hang picture frames) get a C Clamp large enough to compress the spring...first wrap several loops of wire around two opposing sides of the spring..compress the spring with the C Clamp and tighten the piano wire by twisting it with pliars. once compressed and tightened with wire drill a small hole across the metal shaft the top part of the mirror slides over (where the retaining clip and spring go) put the mirror back on, then the spring in its place...take a nail long enough to cross the mirror shaft and insert it in the hole...use side angle pliars to cut the piano wire loops off the spring allowing it to uncompress and press on the nail. The problem is that retaining clip will never really bite on the cheap metal shaft any longer to trust it...putting a nail across will ensure that it never pops out again.

So far has worked perfectly...also note- to get the electronics out ot the mirror you have to cut the 4 wires that control the movement. but a simple crimp connection makes it all better. Make sure to buy some clear silicone as well...comes in a small squeeze tube...to affix the mirror back on.

this is the method I used with pix...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&page=1&pp=20


***don't cut the two black heater wires if equipped***
PM me if you need any further info...

Also check this out... http://www.97vette.com/howto/mirror/index.html

 

Thanks a ton - excellent explanation and pics - you are a perfect example of why this forum is the best of any auto forum!

 

No problem at all! Glad to have helped!

 

Not all that unusual of a problem. real cause is too strong of a spring and weak metal on the shaft. Both of mine have failed. Picked up the following name on this forum. He will fix it and guarante it for life! Highly recommend him!
Ed Swanech
(330) 757 9466
He's out of Ohio
Ship him the mirror complete and he'll send it back better than new!