Mirror enquiry

Derek · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:16 am

On my recently acquired bike I've found that the right side mirror won't move. I took it apart last night and found that the metal ball is firmly stuck in the plastic socket of the mirror backing. I'm unwilling to force it too hard for fear of breaking the glass. For riding in the UK the RH mirror is the most important one for a rear view so I'd appreciate any ideas on how to free it off. Maybe if I warm it up perhaps? I can always swap it with the one from the other side but it would be nice to have two moveable mirrors.

paso750 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:10 am

I`d spray some silicone or graphite spray on the ball joint, then hold the mirror assy with both hands with the thumbs near the mirror center and press on one, then the other side. It may take a little and you may have to force a little, too but it should come loose. Putting pressure near the center will reduce risk of the glass breaking.
Don`t use heat, WD40 or any petrol/oil based lubricant.

G.

Derek · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:32 am

I have some silcone spray, I'll try that. I'll spray some into the ball joint and leave it for a while to penetrate then hopefully I may get some movement back into it.

higgy · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:49 am

try a soak in hot water or vinegar/clr before you use the silicone. the mirror might come off but then you won't have to worry about breaking it and double sided tape of good quality will re attach it. let it cool before you spray the glass

Derek · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:47 pm

Thanks for the tip. I'll let you know how I get on.

higgy · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:25 pm

keep silicone away from the mirror as it will etch the glass :beer:

paso750 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:28 pm

silicone grease won`t do that or are you talking about silicone sealant ?!

higgy · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:31 pm

silicone spray

paso750 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:36 pm

hmm, never heard and never had anything like that. Still, one should aim on the ball joint not the mirror :lol:

Derek · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 4:57 pm

Well I got it moving - just. I soaked the mirror in hot water as suggested with no result. While it was still warm I applied a little silicon spray, then gripping the the shaft of the ball joints with a a pair of pliers I was able to move it a little. Once it started moving I applied a little more silicon and worked the ball joint in each direction. It is still very stiff but at least I can adjust it now so that I can see more than my knee :mrgreen:

paso750 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 5:00 pm

perfect so now you have a good view on your ellbow :lol:

higgy · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 7:24 pm

paso750 · **Posted:** Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:00 pm

who does that ?! Fine grit sandpaper would`ve cleaned so much better :-P

Mirror enquiry

Who is online