Questions and Answers

Mazda Mirror Q. Vincent, I need to find out how to dis-assemble a passenger-side electric mirror on a 1999 Mazda 626. The aerodynamic housing caught on a pole and broke the anchoring posts away from the mirror assembly as well as the mounting bracket on the door.

The dealer is wanting in the neighborhood of $300 for the part and a similar amount for labor to replace it. I am hoping to glue/epoxy the pieces together and re-assemble everything, but I can't quite get everything apart. The mirror itself is connected to the adjusting motor assembly at three points. Two of the points are the positioning rods. These disconnect without a problem. That leaves the final point which is the pivot point. It is basically a ball and socket joint with no obvious release mechanism. I can't tell what's holding it together. If you could offer any suggestions on how to get it apart or to whom I might speak for assistance, I'd be most thankful.

Paul

A. Those mirrors are not made to be taken apart. If they break, they need to be replaced. The only thing that can be replaced, and this doesn't apply to all mirrors, is the glass portion itself.

You can get a used mirror from a junkyard for a lot less then a new one and install it yourself. It is not too difficult and you'll save a bunch of money.

$300.00 labor to replace the mirror is kind of high, even for a dealer.