Glass Only vs. Full Side Mirror Assembly Replacement
Hearing that awful thwack of your side mirror hitting a mailbox or garage door is a terrible feeling. Your first thought is probably about a complicated and expensive repair, but we've got good news.
If only the side mirror glass is cracked or broken, there's usually no need to pay for a whole new side mirror assembly. In most cases, you can get your Toyota side mirror back to perfect condition just by completing a simple mirror glass replacement. Read on to learn how to save time and money by replacing just the glass.
The Benefits Of Replacing Just The Glass
Opting for a glass-only replacement is a smart move for any DIYer. Here’s why:
- It’s Much Faster: A full assembly replacement can take 1-3 hours, mostly because you have to remove the interior door panel to access the bolts and wiring. Replacing just the glass? You can be done in about 20 minutes.
- It’s a Lot Easier: This is a perfect DIY auto repair project. You don’t have to mess with the door panel or complex connectors. The entire job happens on the outside of the car.
- It’s Way Cheaper: A complete side mirror assembly includes the outer painted housing, the internal motors, and all the wiring. A replacement mirror glass is just the glass, often with its backing plate. The cost difference is huge. The side mirror glass can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than the full mirror assembly for the same vehicle.
We’d be sold, too. But before you order your part, you need to do a quick 2-minute check to make sure the glass is the only part that's damaged.
How To Check Your Side Mirror Assembly
This is quick and easy. You need to confirm the housing and motor are still in good working order.
- Inspect the assembly for damage. Look for cracks in the main colored housing, and don’t forget to check the black plastic on the underside. Take a close look at the area where the mirror pivots.
- Test the power controls. If you have power mirrors, hop in the driver’s seat and use the switch. Does the mirror still move fully left, right, up, and down? If it responds correctly, your motor is fine. If it doesn’t respond, you may have mechanical damage or a wiring issue. (You may need to remove the broken glass to see if the wires are just disconnected).
- Gently rock the mirror housing. Give it a wiggle in all directions. Is the whole unit loose on the door? If so, it might just need to be re-tightened. But if the housing itself is wobbly or the pivot point is broken, you'll need a full assembly.
If the glass is the only broken part, you’re good to go!
(Note: If your side mirror assembly failed any of these tests, a full replacement is necessary. The good news is that you can still do it at home with this handy tutorial.)
How To Replace Your Side Mirror Glass
This step-by-step tutorial is based on a Toyota Camry, but the steps are generally the same for most Toyota vehicles. (YouTube is always a great place to look for specifics on your model).
Step 1: Removing The Broken Mirror Glass
- Order your OEM replacement side mirror glass from an authorized seller (like us!) to ensure a perfect fit.
- Safety first! Put on gloves and cover the broken glass with masking tape or duct tape. This will protect your hands and prevent glass shards from falling.
- Tilt the mirror all the way down. This should open a gap at the top.
- Look behind the mirror; you should see the hooks or clips holding the glass backing plate to the motor. Use a pick or a plastic trim tool to gently unhook or separate them.
- The mirror (which is attached to a plastic backing plate) should now pop out.
Step 2: Installing The New Mirror Glass
- Check the back of the plastic backing plate and ensure all its mounting pins and clips are in their slots. Make sure they will line up with the receptacles in the main mirror assembly.
- Gently align the new glass and backing plate with the motor assembly and pop it into place. You should hear and feel it latch securely.
- Hop in the driver's seat and test the new mirror with the power controls to make sure it’s installed properly and moves in all directions.
You're all done! You just saved yourself a ton of time and money with a simple DIY fix.
Replace Your Cracked Toyota Side Mirror With OEM Parts
A busted side mirror is a pain, but it doesn't have to be an expensive, all-day repair. That quick inspection will tell you if a simple glass replacement is all you need for a safe, professional fix.
When you're ready for the part, don't roll the dice on aftermarket. At Olathe Toyota Parts Center, we stock the genuine OEM Toyota replacement mirror glass that ensures a perfect fit and flawless visibility. More importantly, it’s the only way to know for sure that your heating elements and mounting clips will connect and function exactly as the factory intended.
Ready to get started? Find the perfect-fit mirror glass for your Toyota by searching your VIN or model on our site today!