Replace Your Broken Side Mirror in Under 30 Minutes!

Replace your broken side mirror in as little as 30 minutes, using nothing more than a screwdriver and a socket wrench. It really IS that easy! Read below learn how!

Skill Level: Beginner
Estimated Time: 15-30 Minutes
Estimated Cost: $75-$100
Author: Tabor Chichakly

Whether you parked too far out into the road or you just weren’t paying attention when you were backing up, odds are that you didn’t stumble onto this post by accident (or maybe you did). The good news is that (depending on your vehicle) replacing your side mirror can be relatively inexpensive, take less than 30 minutes, and you can do it yourself!

Tools

You will need the following tools:

- Screw driver (type and size will depend on vehicle and may not be necessary)
- Socket set (type and size will depend on vehicle and may not be necessary)
- Axe (you never know...)

This particular project was completed on a 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe

Removing the Old Mirror Assembly

Carefully pop out the door panel

Unless you are sure that you have found the correct replacement part, you will want to remove the old mirror assembly in order to find its part number. This also gives you a great opportunity to learn how to access the mirror without worrying about damaging it.

First, you will want to look on the inside of the door. There should be a separate door panel behind the mirror. This panel may be screwed in, but often it should pop out with a little pressure at the edges. Be careful though, because the panel is likely held in with plastic clips that can easily break.

Disconnect cable for electrical components

Once the panel is off, the bolts holding on the mirror
should be visible as well as some cables running to your
mirror. Depending on whether you have any electronic components in your mirror (turn signal, electronic positioning, heater, etc...) you will want to carefully disconnect any these cables that are connected to the mirror. Next, using the socket wrench, disconnect the mirror from the side of the door, being careful not to let it drop. Make sure you keep the nuts as you will need them to attach the new mirror assembly later.


Ordering the New Mirror Assembly

Once you have the part number, order the replacement mirror assembly. You will want to ensure you purchase one with the glass already installed so it is ready to go. The price of the mirror will depend on the components housed inside of the assembly. While this particular mirror was only $80, I’ve heard of some newer mirrors costing hundreds more!


Attaching in the New Mirror Assembly

Remove plastic bolt covers from new mirror assembly
and attach the foam seal

Depending on how the mirror is shipped to you, you may have to remove any protective pieces and attach the foam seal to the inside of the mirror assembly. You may also have to place the outside cover onto the mirror. Once the new mirror is ready for install, carefully place the wires and bolts through the hole in the door. Using the socket wrench, attach the nuts to the bolts of the new mirror. Once the mirror is in place, carefully attach any electronic cables to the new mirror.

At this point, I recommend turning on the power to your vehicle and checking that the electronic components are working correctly. Is the turn signal blinking? Can you electronically move the mirror? If everything checks out, pop the door panel back on and that’s it! You’re good to go!

New mirror installed and ready to hit the road (and nothing else!)