1998 LX Rearview Mirror Loose (1 Viewer)

[TXLX100]

The rearview mirror on my 98 LX has been loose for as long as I can remember, so took it apart today to figure it out. The mirror had never been removed as I still have the factory windshield. Should have taken pictures, but I was able to fix it so quickly.

The single phillips screw on the under side of the mirror was extremely tight. It seems like anytime Toyota uses a Phillips head, it's always tight. I put the screw driver down before stripping it out, since it wouldn't budge. I used a t-handle driver and a Phillips bit that fit the screw tightly to remove it. The mirror came off with a silver hook clip that holds the mirror onto the mounting plate, I let the mirror hang at this point. I tightened the two screws on the metal mounting plate on the windshield and then reassembled everything. Problem solved.

 

[yotasavg]

Good for you! This was the first thing I fixed on my new-to-me LC. It was driving me crazy having to adjust the mirror after any kind of bump. I have never played with the mirror in another LC or LX, but I have a feeling that the actual pivot is just a bit loose on mine. After doing what you described above it's 100% better, though I would guess that a really bumpy road may still cause my mirror to droop.

Is the adjustment on your mirror pretty easy? I'd just like to know what is normal as my old 4Runner was very stiff and never moved at all.

 

[TXLX100]

It stays put now. The pivot point was tight before, just the mounting to the windshield that was very loose.

 

[FlammableFishie]

My mirror has been a PITA for as long as I've owned the truck... I have a sub in the back and it rattles my mirror an obnoxious amount. I'm gonna go try this right now and see how it works. Thanks for the report

 

[yotasavg]

My mirror has been a PITA for as long as I've owned the truck... I have a sub in the back and it rattles my mirror an obnoxious amount. I'm gonna go try this right now and see how it works. Thanks for the report

Ah see now this is my main concern with adding a larger sub. Fortunately I'm pretty happy with my stock speakers and the aftermarket deck I have is ugly as sin but it works well, so I won't be addressing audio for quite some time. I wonder if it would be worth it for me to just get a new mirror so the pivot joint is solid....

 

[scottm]

Tried tightening my mirror, all three screws were loose, but tightening them still leaves the mirror slightly loose. The silver clip with the single threaded boss doesn't seem to hold in the black casting, when I tighten the single screw into it. I wonder if I can get the clip out and bend it a little? It looks like a spring that might hold tension when the single screw is tightened, not sure. Single-digit temps outside, probably not the best choice of days, but not going anywhere in this blizzard makes me want to tinker.

 

[TXLX100]

Tried tightening my mirror, all three screws were loose, but tightening them still leaves the mirror slightly loose. The silver clip with the single threaded boss doesn't seem to hold in the black casting, when I tighten the single screw into it. I wonder if I can get the clip out and bend it a little? It looks like a spring that might hold tension when the single screw is tightened, not sure. Single-digit temps outside, probably not the best choice of days, but not going anywhere in this blizzard makes me want to tinker.

I think that you can. There might be some parts available. The windshield guy had to tinker with my moms 100 to get it right, not just tighten.

 

[Traskew3]

The rearview mirror on my 98 LX has been loose for as long as I can remember, so took it apart today to figure it out. The mirror had never been removed as I still have the factory windshield. Should have taken pictures, but I was able to fix it so quickly.

The single phillips screw on the under side of the mirror was extremely tight. It seems like anytime Toyota uses a Phillips head, it's always tight. I put the screw driver down before stripping it out, since it wouldn't budge. I used a t-handle driver and a Phillips bit that fit the screw tightly to remove it. The mirror came off with a silver hook clip that holds the mirror onto the mounting plate, I let the mirror hang at this point. I tightened the two screws on the metal mounting plate on the windshield and then reassembled everything. Problem solved.

We could not get the screw to budge, I think it may be stripped....

 

[TXLX100]

We could not get the screw to budge, I think it may be stripped....

Is the head stripped? I had to get just the right bit and use a T-handle driver to really push down while loosening it.

 

[Traskew3]

No, the head is fine, just think the screw is cross threaded in there, it won't budge. Is it reverse threads or "righty righty lefty lucy"?

 

[Scottb4857]

Standard direction threads on the mirror - tightened mine up yesterday also.

 

[TXLX100]

No, the head is fine, just think the screw is cross threaded in there, it won't budge. Is it reverse threads or "righty righty lefty lucy"?

Standard thread. It's pretty tight, if you have a various Phillips bits, see what fits best and use a ratchet or t-handle driver to bust it loose.

 

[pkhart]

has anyone come across the threads on the metal part glued to the windshield being stripped?

 

[KillerBox]

In case anyone reads this thread in the future, my 2001 LX 470 mirror fell off last night & the previous owner had already stripped the heads of the 2 screws that attach the metal plate to the windshield. I salvaged 2 screws out of an old car cassette player that I had stored. Exact match and the screws are made out of tougher material.

Now, I am trying to find out what the purpose of the big black pad thing that the metal button attached too?