2002 Suburban LT Drivers side mirror knocked off by car wash.

[pelletman]

I have an 02 Suburban LT I took through a car wash and the drivers side mirror was knocked off in the process. I talked to the attendant he showed me a mirror in the office that had also come apart, and basically didn't want to take responsibility for it. The mirror seems to have a post and a couple of washers that I think are supposed to be holding it together, think of it as a loose pivoting problem. Does anyone know if GM offers a repair kit for this problem? The car wash guy said they did. If so, how do I get the mirror glass off without breaking it? Or do I need to replace the entire mirror assembly? Thanks Dave

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by pelletman

I have an 02 Suburban LT I took through a car wash and the drivers side mirror was knocked off in the process. I talked to the attendant he showed me a mirror in the office that had also come apart, and basically didn't want to take responsibility for it. The mirror seems to have a post and a couple of washers that I think are supposed to be holding it together, think of it as a loose pivoting problem. Does anyone know if GM offers a repair kit for this problem? The car wash guy said they did. If so, how do I get the mirror glass off without breaking it? Or do I need to replace the entire mirror assembly? Thanks Dave

I've done this ...you will need a torx bit set and a long flexable extension to remove the screws under the mirror...with this out of the way you will be able two install the locking washer...

The locking washer is another GM designed to fail part...to overcome this I drilled and installed 2 screws to lock in the very weak locking washer..

this is now or ever again will not fall off...and this is quite common to occur...

[pelletman]

thanks!

[Cusser]

Mine's a 1994, owned since 2000; passenger side just wobbled and fell off one day while wife was driving it. That was over $100 at dealer only (then) to replace. Now CSK and AutoZone carry replacements, black only, mine were white. About 2007 wife knocked off driver side mirror on saguaro cactus in my yard while backing up (I don't make this stuff up !!!), and that one I replaced with a manual mirror from CSK Auto, figuring she could lower window and adjust herself; for that one I didn't need to replace the entire mirror, just bolted the outer part of the new one on. I spray painted them with matching DupliColor spray paint to match the Suburban. Later she backed into the same cactus again but just cracked the glass; I ordered a replacement pane from Pep Boys and silicone-glued that on. I don't make this stuff up, still wonder how one can hit the mirror on a giant saguro cactus 20 feet tall just inches away from one's face - wouldn't YOU notice that, I think I would..............anyway, she's in the bath.....I'm feelin' dirty......

[pelletman]

I have the mirror off and apart. Does anyone know how to compress the toothed washer back onto the post? I've tried a couple of screwdrivers and would really rather not have to fabricate a tool for this job.. It is almost like you need a valve spring compresser for it.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by pelletman

I have the mirror off and apart. Does anyone know how to compress the toothed washer back onto the post? I've tried a couple of screwdrivers and would really rather not have to fabricate a tool for this job.. It is almost like you need a valve spring compresser for it.

large channel lock pliers or a socket with a C clamp...with this holding the spring and washer drill two 1/8in holes and screw in the sheet metal screws..to prevent the washer from backing out..