How do you stick a side mirror back on a car?

Reattaching a side mirror that has fallen off or been knocked off a car is usually a straightforward repair. With the right preparation, tools, and technique, you can resecure a side mirror in less than an hour.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the basic supplies you’ll need to reattach a side mirror:

• Replacement side mirror – If the original mirror is damaged, you’ll need a new replacement mirror that matches your make and model.
• Screwdriver set – You’ll need both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers to remove any interior panels or screws.
• Socket wrench set – To remove any bolts securing the mirror.
• Mirror adhesive – Special adhesive designed to securely bond car mirrors to door panels.
• Clean rags – To clean the door panel and mirror housing area before gluing.
• Rubbing alcohol – Also for cleaning the gluing surface.
• Masking tape – To hold the mirror in place as the adhesive cures.

Steps to Reattach a Side Mirror

Follow these key steps to successfully reattach a side mirror:

1. Remove the interior door panel – Take off the interior door panel so you can access the back of the mirror mount. This usually involves unscrewing a few fasteners and disconnecting any electrical clips or connectors.
2. Remove the mirror mount – Using wrenches or screwdrivers, remove the nuts or bolts that hold the mirror assembly and arm to the door. Carefully detach the unit from the door.
3. Clean the door and mount – Use clean rags and rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the door area and the mirror mount that will make contact with adhesive. Remove any old tape or glue.
4. Apply mirror adhesive – Run a bead of special mirror adhesive along the edges of the mirror mount. Use enough to make a complete seal when pressed against the door.
5. Attach the mirror – Line up the mount to the door hole and press firmly for 30 seconds to a minute to adhere. Then tape in place with masking tape and allow the adhesive to fully cure.
6. Reinstall door panel – Carefully reinstall the interior door panel with all its fasteners and clips. Reconnect any electrical connectors.
7. Test mirror – With the door panel in place, test that the mirror properly folds in, holds its position, and the electric controls function.

Why Proper Adhesive is Important

Using a high-quality adhesive designed specifically for bonding automotive mirrors is critical for a long lasting repair. Here’s why:

• Strong hold – Mirror adhesive can withstand vibration and wind forces at highway speeds that would rip other glues loose.
• Flexibility – The adhesive can flex as the mirror housing moves yet keeps its sticking power.
• Waterproof – Mirror adhesives are waterproof so moisture won’t seep behind the mirror and break the bond.
• Compatibility – The chemicals will adhere well to typical automotive paints and plastics.
• Cure time – Specially formulated mirror glues only need 1-3 hours of cure time to reach maximum strength.

Trying to use household adhesives or even body panel adhesives is likely to result in a side mirror that detaches again after minimal use. Invest in the right product to do this repair properly the first time.

How to Remove Adhesive Residue

If a mirror falls off repeatedly, there may be leftover old adhesive stuck to the door and mount. Here’s how to clean it off:

1. Scrape – Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to scrape off any chunks of old adhesive.
2. Goof Off – Apply this solvent cleaner to a rag and rub onto any adhesive residue to dissolve it away.
3. WD-40 – Similarly, apply WD-40 onto a rag and rub onto remaining sticky areas to remove gunk.
4. Rubbing alcohol – Finish cleaning with alcohol to remove WD-40 or Goof Off and ensure the surface is prepped for new adhesive.

When to Get Professional Help

While minor side mirror repairs are doable yourself, consider getting professional assistance for issues like:

• Damaged mirror housing – If the mirror casing is cracked or broken it likely needs replacement.
• Faulty electrical – If the mirror adjustment or folding mechanism doesn’t work, the wiring may be damaged.
• Heated mirror problems – Repairing defrost elements in heated mirrors requires advanced skills.
• Blind spot detection issues – If side alert systems are malfunctioning, complex recalibration may be required.

Professionals have the expertise to properly diagnose problems and make more major repairs to restore full mirror functionality.

Conclusion

With some basic tools and supplies, reattaching a fallen side mirror is usually a quick and straightforward DIY car repair. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the door and mirror housing, use plenty of high-quality adhesive, and let it fully cure before driving again. Pay attention to any electrical or mechanical issues for the mirror functionality. And if damage is extensive, get help from a professional service technician to get your side mirror working properly again.