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If your Toyota's side mirror glass is damaged, you might not necessarily have to shell out money for an entire side mirror assembly. Most of the time, simply replacing the glass can get your side mirror back in proper working condition.
Take a look at the image below showing how to replace a Camry mirror. It’s a good visual guide for understanding the process.
[Image credit: AutoandTruckMirrors]
## The Advantages of Replacing Only the Glass
Replacing just the glass has several benefits:
- **Faster:** Replacing the whole assembly can take between 1-3 hours, whereas swapping out the glass takes only about 20 minutes.
- **Easier:** When replacing the entire assembly, you often have to dismantle parts inside the door to disconnect the mirror. With just the glass, you don’t need to enter the car at all.
- **Cheaper:** Opting for a glass-only replacement is generally less expensive. For instance, the side mirror glass for a 2017 Toyota 4Runner costs roughly $175 less than purchasing an entire side mirror assembly.
We’d definitely recommend going for the glass-only option, but always double-check that the rest of the assembly is intact. Ensure there’s no structural damage or wiring issues that could affect the mirror's functionality.
## Inspecting Your Side Mirror Assembly
Checking the side mirror is straightforward:
1. **Inspect for Damage:** Look for cracks in the housing, especially on the underside and around the pivot points. Small details can make a big difference.
2. **Shake It Gently:** Test the tightness of the mirror housing by moving it slightly in every direction. If it feels loose, it might just need tightening.
3. **Power Mirrors:** If you have power-adjustable mirrors, sit in the driver’s seat and test the movement of the mirror. If it doesn’t function correctly, check for mechanical problems or wiring faults. Sometimes removing the broken glass temporarily can help with this inspection.
If the glass is the only issue, replacing it should resolve the problem. However, if the assembly itself seems faulty, a full replacement might be necessary. Fortunately, you can handle this yourself with the right guidance.
## Replacing Your Side Mirror Glass
[Image credit: Family Handyman]
This step-by-step guide applies primarily to the Toyota Camry but can be adapted for most Toyota models. For specific instructions tailored to your vehicle, YouTube is a great resource.
### Removing the Damaged Mirror Glass
1. Order an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement glass from a reliable online retailer.
2. Secure the broken glass with masking or duct tape to avoid injury or debris during removal.
3. Tilt the mirror downward and locate the two hooks behind it. Use a small tool to unhook these from the tabs.
4. Carefully pull the mirror out of its housing.
### Preparing the New Mirror Glass
A tip: Warming up the plastic housing makes installation easier. Using a hairdryer can soften the material, making it more pliable.
1. Put on thick gloves for protection.
2. Remove the tape covering the broken glass and clean out all the old shards.
3. Scrape off any leftover adhesive with a razor blade.
4. Clean both the back of the new glass and the plastic housing with rubbing alcohol.
5. Stick the double-sided tape provided with the new glass onto the housing, spacing the pieces as far apart as possible.
6. Place the new mirror over the tape and snap it into the housing starting with the most angular corners first.
### Installing the New Mirror Glass
1. Double-check that all the mounting pins align with their respective slots in the housing.
2. Carefully insert the new glass into the mirror assembly. It should click into place.
3. Test the mirror using the power controls to confirm it’s installed correctly.
That’s it! For more DIY tips, explore our other articles:
- How To Know When To Replace A Toyota Cabin Air Filter
- Can I Just Replace My Toyota’s Side Mirror Cover?
- 7 Car Parts You'll Need To Replace Soon
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance!