Glass Only vs. Full Side Mirror Replacement
It’s a sound every car owner dreads: the sharp crack of a side mirror taking a hit from a projectile or a rogue shopping cart. Your first thought is probably about the hassle and cost of a repair. But before you start budgeting for a whole new mirror assembly, we have some good news.
In many cases, you don't need to replace the entire unit. You can often get your Subaru looking good as new by simply replacing the side mirror glass, saving you a surprising amount of time and money. So, can you just replace your side mirror glass? Let's dive in and find out.
Glass Only Or Full Assembly?
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When a side mirror breaks, your main goal is to get it fixed right without breaking the bank. Opting for a Subaru side mirror glass replacement instead of a full assembly is a smart move for two big reasons:
- It’s Way More Affordable: A complete side mirror assembly includes the housing, the motor for adjustments, and sometimes turn signal indicators and heating elements. This all adds up. To put it in perspective, a full side mirror assembly can cost a few hundred dollars. The replacement mirror glass for that same car? It’s typically less than half the price.
- It’s a Faster Fix: A quicker replacement means lower labor costs if you take it to a shop. But even better, this is a perfect project for a DIY enthusiast. Swapping out just the glass can take minutes, while replacing the whole assembly usually involves removing the interior door panel - a much more involved job.
Do You Only Need New Mirror Glass?
Before you order your part, let's make sure the glass is the only thing that's damaged. Take a couple of minutes to inspect the mirror housing.
1. The Visual Check: Give the entire mirror housing a once-over. Are there any big cracks, deep dents, or missing plastic pieces? Minor scuffs are usually fine, but significant damage to the housing means you’ll likely need a full assembly.
2. The Wiggle Test: Gently try to move the entire mirror housing with your hand. Does it feel solid, or is it loose and wobbly? If it's loose, the mounting bolts inside the door may just need tightening. But if the housing itself is broken at the pivot point, you'll need a new assembly.
3. The Power Functions Test: If you have power mirrors, hop in the driver's seat and use the controls. Does the mirror still move up, down, left, and right? If it responds correctly, your motor is fine. If it doesn't move, check for disconnected wiring behind the broken glass first. If the wires are connected and it still won't budge, the motor might be damaged, requiring a full replacement.
If your mirror housing passed these three tests with flying colors, congratulations! You’re ready for a simple, cost-saving DIY fix.
How To Replace Your Subaru Side Mirror Glass: A DIY Guide
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Ready to get your hands dirty? Replacing the mirror glass is one of the easiest repairs you can do. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Tape It Up: To prevent glass shards from falling, cover the broken mirror surface with painter's tape or masking tape.
- Get Tilted: Use your power controls to tilt the mirror all the way up. This will expose a gap at the bottom.
- Gently Pry: Wrap a flathead screwdriver or a plastic trim tool in a cloth to prevent scratching. Carefully insert it into the gap at the bottom and gently pry to release any retaining clips holding the glass to the mounting plate. You should feel them pop loose. You may even discover the glass is held on by adhesive tape alone, making it super easy to pull off.
- Disconnect: Carefully pull the broken glass away. If you have heated mirrors, you'll see one or two wires connected to the back. Gently unplug these connectors.
- Connect the New Glass: Plug the wires into your new replacement rear view mirror glass. (if applicable)
- Snap It In: Align the clips on the back of the new glass with the mounting plate in the housing. Start by hooking the top clips in first, then press firmly but gently on the center of the glass. You should hear a satisfying click as it snaps securely into place.
Pro-Tip: While these steps apply to most Subaru models, it’s always a good idea to search for a quick video tutorial for your specific year and model for extra confidence.
Find Your Genuine Subaru Mirror Glass Today
Image Credit: ZacksJerryRig
Don't let a broken side mirror ruin your day or your wallet. A quick inspection can confirm if a simple glass replacement is all you need for a safe and professional repair.
At SubaruPartsPlus.com, we have the genuine OEM Subaru replacement mirror glass designed for a perfect fit and crystal-clear visibility on your vehicle. Using OEM parts guarantees that the heating elements and mounting clips will work exactly as they should.
Ready to get started? Find the exact replacement mirror glass for your Subaru by searching your VIN or model on our site today!