Jerry944T

OK it was a slight misjudgment on my part but as I was backing up my drivers mirror contacted a sturdy mailbox resulting in a dent on the part around the glass.

Nothing else was damaged, neither the glass or the turn signal indicate. This is a 2007 TL-S.

The part is available already painted in the proper Carbon Bronze color but I can't find any instructions on how to take apart and replace the housing.

Searching this site I found out how to replace the glass, how to replace the whole mirror but nothing about the parts of the housing.

Before I order the new part I'd like to know what I am getting into so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jerry

SpiderX1016

Shouldn't be too bad. Remove the door panel, remove the mirror (should be 3 nuts holding it), pop off the mirror and remove the mirror actuator (three torx screws).

I prefer to pop the mirror off while it's still on the car. Can you order just the housing?

Jerry944T

Yep housing is ordered. It was a $50 part and consists of the outer housing (toward the front of the car) and the rear housing of the mirror assembly. They are pre-painted and I only need the rear section replaced.

I think you can do it without removing the whole mirror and the door panel and I'm hoping someone can give some direction.

Anyone need the front part? Color is Carbon Bronze.

SpiderX1016

Oh, I thought you were replacing the whole thing.

I have a MDX mirror right here and it looks like once you pop the mirror glass off, there are a few torx screws. There is also torx screw on the bottom, where it swivels so you might have to take the whole mirror off.

It might not be exactly the case but it should give you an idea.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

o this is gonna be tough for you. i went through the same thing. when i first got my car, it had a cracked mirror cover, so i bought only the mirror cover and the shroud behind the mirror. I thought it'd be simple but I ended up taking apart the whole side mirror and you HAVE to take apart a bit of the motor inside too in order to replace it. I did it myself because I'm pretty good with working on cars but I would not recommend it to a beginner. Here's a tip, when you put back the mirror glass, make sure you line the connection up perfectly otherwise your memory seats buttons and automatic tilt down mirrors will not function right(they are part of the same circuit)

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

I thought the same thing as you at first but upon removing the side mirror, i realized it was a foolish thought, trust me this is gonna take you at least 2 hours if its your first time taking off the side mirror.

if you really want instructions, this is what you need to do.
take off the door panel, then take off the door edge trim to expose the three 10mm nuts. Remove those 3 and disconnect the harness, and the side mirror will come out easily. Then the hard part comes, use a flat screwdriver to carefully pop off the mirror. After you do that you will see why i say its tough. the shroud of the mirror housing cannot be pulled apart without unscrewing the motor apart into 2 pieces. If you have some mechanical knowledge you can figure it out, and if you don't, then don't bother and just take it to a mechanic. After the motor is taking apart you need to angle the shroud out and after that everything is pretty simple and self- explanatory. At the end of it all, test your memory seats, side mirror tilt down function, and heated mirrors to see if you connected everything back properly.

Jerry944T

Damn! I thought this was going to be a piece of cake compared to replacing the rear turn signal and brake light assembly which I did myself successfully.

I found this video of a guy doing a TSX and it looks easy but from what you guys are telling me it must be different. If someone who has done this before would take a look at the video and tell me if it's accurate I'd appreciate it.

Otherwise the stealership is getting this job.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

i just watched the video, and its not the same at all. if you want it done for cheaper, i'm always down to help out fellow forum members. you just gotta send me your side mirrors and i could do it for like $40 for my time. i actually still have my old cracked housing in my garage, i could take some pics of that and and maybe it'll help you if you want to try this job yourself?

Jerry944T

Thanks paperboy, that would be fantastic!

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

i wont be able to get the pictures until tomorrow night though. im currently out of town.

Jerry944T

No rush. Actually I'm reasonably sure I can fix the mirror. It's the getting off the car that seems like a major chore.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

o dont worry getting it off the car is plenty simple!

Jerry944T

I've been "wrenching" my cars since I was 14 so I have the tools and mechanical ability. What I don't have is the intimate knowledge of this particular task.

If you are willing to walk me through it I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry

Jerry944T

Yes. After getting the new parts and realizing they were all plastic, plus the fact that I didn't feel like taking apart the door and mirror I tried a trick.

The mirror housing wasn't cracked, just pushed in and the paint was fine so I borrowed a heat gun, protected the glass with layers of aluminum foil and heated everything up.

The dent popped out! It looks just about perfect. If I didn't point out that it happened you wouldn't know.

Thanks to those who took the time to help. Since I still have the part ($50) when the spring detailing comes along I still might replace it or does anyone need a carbon-bronze mirror housing :-)