LX 570 Driver/Passenger Mirror "twitches" by itself when driving

[Docboy]

Had my 2009 LX 570 for a few weeks, and I've noticed that when driving, the driver and the passenger side mirror "twitches" left and right slightly. It's as if the mirror is moving ever so slightly by itself when the car is in motion. Mirror movement seems more prominent on the passenger side than driver's side. I don't think the side mirrors "twitches" when the vehicle is stopped.

Not a big deal, but it's a little annoying to my eyes.

Any ideas on what may be causing said mirror movement and poss remedies? Thanks!

 

[Narkhelek]

This is a known issue and it caused by loose screws in the side mirror housing. Toyota has a TSB that cover it and a repair kit you can order that comes with new screws with lock washers and replacement cover for when you scratch the cover while removing it to get access to the screws. Check out this thread that has the TSB and more info. Project Fauxverlander 200 Series Land Cruiser Build Thread

I did this repair on my 2009 and it worked perfectly.

 

[Docboy]

This is a known issue and it caused by loose screws in the side mirror housing. Toyota has a TSB that cover it and a repair kit you can order that comes with new screws with lock washers and replacement cover for when you scratch the cover while removing it to get access to the screws. Check out this thread that has the TSB and more info. Project Fauxverlander 200 Series Land Cruiser Build Thread

I did this repair on my 2009 and it worked perfectly.

Thanks for the response. I glanced over the build thread you mentioned, but couldn't find said TSB.

Mind me asking which page on the thread the mirror TSB is on?

Do you have a LC or LX? I assume I can order the parts from Toyota? Do you recall the cost of the repair kit?

 

[Narkhelek]

Here are the part numbers:

RH: 81859-60480
LH: 81859-60490

Camelback Toyota is selling the repair kits for $8.32 per kit. The link I listed above should take you right to the page (post number 20). The PDF for the TSB is embedded in the page. I have a 2009 LC.

 

[Docboy]

Here are the part numbers:

RH: 81859-60480
LH: 81859-60490

Camelback Toyota is selling the repair kits for $8.32 per kit. The link I listed above should take you right to the page (post number 20). The PDF for the TSB is embedded in the page. I have a 2009 LC.

Awesome, thanks!

Did you order the special pry tool" to remove the base cover? Or were you able to use a flat head screw driver?

 

[Narkhelek]

Harbor freight sells some nylon pry tools for removing plastic parts like the mirror cover. I used those. It's a bit of a pain to get the cover off.

 

[Docboy]

Harbor freight sells some nylon pry tools for removing plastic parts like the mirror cover. I used those. It's a bit of a pain to get the cover off.

Thanks for the info! For those interested, Amazon also has quite a few nylon pry tool sets for sale. $6-$20.

This is going to be a little DIY project coming up...

 

[mcgaskins]

I test drove a 2009 Land Cruiser that did exactly what you're describing. It happened probably 4-5 times in the 15 minute drive, and it immediately drove me crazy. They also couldn't get the LC started because of either a dead battery and/or a faulty cheap alarm system. While I'm glad to know what the cause is, it's a bit odd that all of the mirrors aren't already fixed from getting serviced previously. Surely the prior owners had to notice the mirrors moving on their own!

 

[Markuson]

Are they mechanically moving--like from the adjustment motor?
-Or just vibrating loosely?

 

[mcgaskins]

^ It looked mechanical to me - almost like when you try to adjust a mirror past it's operating range and it "snaps" back a little bit. Very hard to explain, but the mirror looks totally solid, then makes a "twitch". Of course it happens so fast it's hard to know when it's about to happen too. I kept pointing it out to the sales woman in the passenger seat, and I think she thought I was crazy

 

[Narkhelek]

Are they mechanically moving--like from the adjustment motor?
-Or just vibrating loosely?

It's due to loose mounting screws inside the housing. It looks like it's twitching periodically but it's definitely not due to anything mechanical. It's a simple fix and Toyota provides a repair kit for ~$17USD for both mirrors.

It's amazing what some people just don't notice. My 2009 I bought used had this issue and also the steering wheel vibration at 2k RPM due to transfer case vibration which could have all been fixed under warranty but they just didn't care/notice apparently.

 

[teambell]

I test drove a 2009 Land Cruiser that did exactly what you're describing. It happened probably 4-5 times in the 15 minute drive, and it immediately drove me crazy. They also couldn't get the LC started because of either a dead battery and/or a faulty cheap alarm system. While I'm glad to know what the cause is, it's a bit odd that all of the mirrors aren't already fixed from getting serviced previously. Surely the prior owners had to notice the mirrors moving on their own!

2009 @ Planet Honda? Battery (Optima Red top) was dead when I drove it and it was wearing Blizzaks. Mirrors twitched all the time...

 

[mcgaskins]

2009 @ Planet Honda? Battery (Optima Red top) was dead when I drove it and it was wearing Blizzaks. Mirrors twitched all the time...

Yep that's the one. The Blizzaks were shot too - I was surprised they have it listed for that much coin with no tread. You'd think they'd put in a new battery or figure out what's going on with it!

 

[Markuson]

Not that unusual to see a used Cruiser on a car lot with a dead battery...

Mine was dead when AI found it on a used lot...but then it was a 7 year old original Panasonic! I finally replaced it a year later.

 

[Docboy]

^ It looked mechanical to me - almost like when you try to adjust a mirror past it's operating range and it "snaps" back a little bit. Very hard to explain, but the mirror looks totally solid, then makes a "twitch". Of course it happens so fast it's hard to know when it's about to happen too. I kept pointing it out to the sales woman in the passenger seat, and I think she thought I was crazy

Finally getting to these side mirrors. Is the LX and LC side mirror underside the same? I attached a pic with an arrow. Is the arrow pointing to the lower base cover that is to be pryed off to replace the torx bolts? Thanks!

 

[steenh]

Don't know if they are the same, but that's the piece you'll pull off... carefully. The tabs are kind of weak and prone to breaking so be careful.

 

[Docboy]

Don't know if they are the same, but that's the piece you'll pull off... carefully. The tabs are kind of weak and prone to breaking so be careful.

That tab looks super tight and flush. I'm thinking how the heck can I pry that tab off with nylon tools?

 

[krice118]

this happens in my 100 also. Seen it happen in 80s also. Must be a LC Trait

 

[Narkhelek]

That tab looks super tight and flush. I'm thinking how the heck can I pry that tab off with nylon tools?

There is a little tiny drain hole on the cover near the body of the vehicle. If you can find something hook shaped you can use that to pull the cover off. I'd put down a bunch of masking tape on the body under the hole so you don't scratch the paint trying to remove it. It's a real pain in the butt.

 

[steenh]

It isn't easy... I broke tabs but had ordered separate covers so it didn't matter. Use that drain hole to get an opening so you can get a nylon tool in there to release the tabs. Worst case you have to get a couple of covers but if you are careful, they can be saved. They won't break the bank.