New Member, need help with the wing mirror.

[Big-blu]

Hey guys, I've owned my RS for a year now and have found this site awesome for DIY and general info.

I need some help gettin the wing mirror off (converting my phantom black to the Ti package). This link is the best assembly picture I have found. I have removed everything except #12 (metal plate) and #13 (catch bracket). I've even removed #2 (retaining screws to the catch bracket).
http://forums.quattroworld.com/rs4b7/msgs/24385.phtml

Pulling with all my force but nothing will budge. Tried removing the metal plate from the mirror housing and tried pulling the entire mirror assembly off but nothing.

A few threads on here mention "one little trick" that helped get them off, but noone stated what that trick was.

Thanks in advance for the help guys!

-Ryan

[caldy]

I've just done this to paint my mirror housings and its a real bastard!

Screws 4 pull the mirror housing into the A pillar triangle via bracket 13. But the link to break is that between the housing 12 and the pins 2.

Catch 22 - you need to remove screws 4 but to do this you need to remove the large torx bolt, behind the plastic cover, on the inner side of the door. This will release the whole mirror housing and A pillar triangle, giving you access to the inner face and the screws.

But having done that you then have no leverage to separate 12 from the pins on 3.

I had to refix 12 to the door, as tight as possible, then standing behind the mirror and facing forwards to the front, pull the mirror housing rearwards. It takes what seems to be a huge amount of force to release 12 from the pins on 3.

The problem then becomes, when refitting the assembled A pillar triangle and mirror housing, is to guide the A pillar triangle under the window rubber seal. I've broken the metal strip in mine but it will have to wait until SORN next winter before I replace it.

[Big-blu]

Wow, thank you!

I will give it another try tonight. I'm assuming that the wires will fit through once it is all disconnected?

[sync24]

(converting my phantom black to the Ti package)

Hmmm - I've the Ti package - and my mirrors are silver - are you planning on getting them resprayed phantom black?[/quote]

[Big-blu]

(converting my phantom black to the Ti package)

Hmmm - I've the Ti package - and my mirrors are silver - are you planning on getting them resprayed phantom black?

[/quote]

Getting them paired the same color as my wheels (L8AU with matte finish). I believe the titanium package has all other trim pieces painted black except the rims and mirrors.

[Big-blu]

Just got the mirrors off. The directions above are spot on, no struggle at all once i knew what I was doing.

thanks again,
Ryan

[Big-blu]

Mirrors are back from paint and look great. You were right about getting the mirror base plate back under the seal... Been at it or 2 hours with no luck. Any advice?

[caldy]

Not sure I should reply to this coz I made a mess of mine, snapping the metal strip within the rubber seal. However, being careful, detach the seal at the very front corner nearest the hinges and gently pull away from the door edge. As you near the top of where the A pillar triangle would be, slow down otherwise you'll pull up the suede window glass seal or snap the metal strip within the rubber seal. Its then easy to fit the A pillar triangle but you then have to slide the rubber seal back over the triangular trim - use soapy water to lubricate.Trial and error, much swearing and a lot of patience required, preferably with a helper. I bought a set of trim levers on eBay for less than a tenner and they help enormously. Good luck or better still wait for an expert to reply!

[Big-blu]

Not sure I should reply to this coz I made a mess of mine, snapping the metal strip within the rubber seal. However, being careful, detach the seal at the very front corner nearest the hinges and gently pull away from the door edge. As you near the top of where the A pillar triangle would be, slow down otherwise you'll pull up the suede window glass seal or snap the metal strip within the rubber seal. Its then easy to fit the A pillar triangle but you then have to slide the rubber seal back over the triangular trim - use soapy water to lubricate.Trial and error, much swearing and a lot of patience required, preferably with a helper. I bought a set of trim levers on eBay for less than a tenner and they help enormously. Good luck or better still wait for an expert to reply!

Thanks for the reply. 5 hours later I finally got it! I ended up using a plastic pry tool and starting at the top, using soap, working my way down. It's all worth it after my first drive in the car in 1.5 months! New summer tires, spacers and titanium conversion all came out perfect.