Thanks For The Mirror Repair Advice

[trigger12]

I would like to thank those who did the write up on how to fix sagging mirrors. Without that guidance, I would have likely tried a repair that would have been 10 times more complicated.

If you're familiar with the article, there are 2 ways to tighten loose mirrors. The first way is to drill a large hole in back of the mirror housing to access the spring loaded nut. I didn't want to do this.

The alternative way is to remove the mirror frame, then the mirror to get to the same nut. I chose this route. The do this, I used a 3 in 1 tool to break away the frame. This tool is like a paint scraper with a large round notch cut out of the side. It has a larger pry area to remove the frame without gouging the plastic. The plastic mirror frame is sonic welded on to the housing. It breaks apart easily.

To control handling the glass mirror, I used a suction cup GPS mounting bracket.

BTW: I did this on a hot day so the plastic frame would be plyable.

I sealed the frame with silicone.


Now, I just sent in to join AVA . I hope that I can write some tech tips to help others.

Happy Trails!

[ekap1200]

Did your mirrors have any trim on them, or have they just started to sag over time ?
I liked your approach to not breach the front of the mirror , that's a hundred dollar item
new....

[trigger12]

Did your mirrors have any trim on them, or have they just started to sag over time ?
I liked your approach to not breach the front of the mirror , that's a hundred dollar item
new....

The mirrors were sagging when I bought the bike last May.

[triton28]

I had the sagging problem also. My mirrors have the chrome trim and were sagging with just road vibration until I performed it on mine. No more sagging now, even over hard railway crossings or potholes, works like a charm.
Dave

[Mr Jensee]

I discovered quite accidentally how to remove the mirror from the frame. Actually the bike did it itself while riding one day. I guess vibration loosened the frame and I managed to catch it as it fell off. I pulled over, removed the mirror and drove to an autoparts house and picked up some RTV black silicone. While it was off I used my tools to tighten the nut inside and then replaced the mirror and frame and used a rubber band to hold it since I was on the road and had no tape. Next time I need to tighten the right mirror I will use this technique. New mirrors run about $50. I know, I have bought two since owning the bike.

[customsound79]

The mirror problem was the reason I found this site! I too went with the second method which took all of 10 min. 4000 miles and no worries (from the mirror anyway).

[kjsett]

The mirror problem was the reason I found this site! I too went with the second method which took all of 10 min. 4000 miles and no worries (from the mirror anyway).

Maybe 10min and at least 30k since doing it. no problems (with them anyway).

[krasmu]

I also removed the trim to fix mine. They pop off fairly easy with a little patients. then I used silicone to hold the mirror in place and superglue gel to replace the trim.
As a side note, I noticed that the way the mirror housing is made, it showed a water mark where the housing was holding water down around the nut and spring. Mine were all rusted. I cleaned the parts and then drilled a small 1/8 dia. drain hole near the bottom of that boss on the back side as to try to prevent water from getting pushed in while riding.

[ScottLee]

Agreed! Removing the trim is the prefered least damaging way to correct the problem.
Repaired mine the other night in about a hour or so. The trim pieces are ultrasonic welded very lightly and with the assistance of a thin non serrated steak knife I was able to gently pry and break all of the welds without trashing the finish. Tightened up the nuts until there was aprox. 1/4 inch of threads visible on each one and then a bit of well placed silicone got everthing back together. Since then i've hit a bunch of typical mirror moving bumps and so far so good. I don't think they are moving on their own ever again.

[On a Voyager 12]

Do you remove the trim from the mirror side or from the outer edge working in toward the glass ?

[trigger12]

Do you remove the trim from the mirror side or from the outer edge working in toward the glass ?

I pried the outside of the frame with a 3 in 1 tool (looks like a scraper, but a little thicker and has a notch cut in the side). I prefer that to a small screwdriver so the plastic edges won't be nicked. Start at a corner and work your way around.
To control the glass, you can use a suction cup GPS mount or some masking tape.

Good luck.

[chevyman1]

If you pry from the inside you risk braking the mirror

[On a Voyager 12]

Yes that is why I asked. Mine are a little bit loos, I'll be tackling this job as well. I love having a new to me bike! Don't know what I'd do if I ever bought a new one!

[SgtSlag]

For re-assembly, I just applied some RTV Silicone around the edges of the trim. Be sure to leave it alone to cure! Do NOT try to clean up the excess Silicone until it is fully hardened -- then trim it away with a knife, or a razor blade. Mine has been holding strong since 2010, without issue. Cheers!