Rear view Mirror wobble (2 Viewers)

[jackhossross]

Here's the factory bolt (black) and one I found probably off a household doorknob from the 1920s. Same thread. The only reason it doesn't work is the mirror arm inexplicably also has threads. So, the unthreaded top of the toyota bolt works around this confounded design by requiring a one-in-the-world special bolt.

Why shouldn't I just drill out the ($600) mirror arm and accomplish the same thing with a hardware store bolt?

(PO throughly stripped out the factory bolt head so I had to drill it out).

View attachment 3574973

You can get new mirror screws from wits’ end

 

[vjpkrmnc]

You can get new mirror screws from wits’ end

I don't know what that is but will check it out.

I ended up using a 13/64" bit to drill out the mirror side threads. This allowed an aftermarket bolt and removed 95% of the flop (that the stock bolt didn't before anyway). A homemade rubber gasket and perhaps a washer will cure the rest. Because currently the bolt is bottoming out on the spring's dead end "nut", so no amount of additional tightening is going to do anything. I either need to slightly shorten my bolt, add a washer, or add some distance in the form of a gasket under the mirror arm.

Anyway, sorry for all the thinking out loud on a decade old thread!

 

[SmoothLC]

I don't know what that is but will check it out.

I ended up using a 13/64" bit to drill out the mirror side threads. This allowed an aftermarket bolt and removed 95% of the flop (that the stock bolt didn't before anyway). A homemade rubber gasket and perhaps a washer will cure the rest. Because currently the bolt is bottoming out on the spring's dead end "nut", so no amount of additional tightening is going to do anything. I either need to slightly shorten my bolt, add a washer, or add some distance in the form of a gasket under the mirror arm.

Anyway, sorry for all the thinking out loud on a decade old thread!

100 Series Rearview Mirror Tension Screw

 

[r2m]

I don't know what that is but will check it out.

I ended up using a 13/64" bit to drill out the mirror side threads. This allowed an aftermarket bolt and removed 95% of the flop (that the stock bolt didn't before anyway). A homemade rubber gasket and perhaps a washer will cure the rest. Because currently the bolt is bottoming out on the spring's dead end "nut", so no amount of additional tightening is going to do anything. I either need to slightly shorten my bolt, add a washer, or add some distance in the form of a gasket under the mirror arm.

Anyway, sorry for all the thinking out loud on a decade old thread!

Thinking out loud while working out your process is a huge asset to those who follow, so as not to stumble through what didn't work and get to what did work.
Albeit, that screw posted above at Wit's End, is the best solution assuming the threads aren't stripped and having to drill and re-tap the female threads.
Glad you have it all sorted out!

 

[Nikeboi09]

Just got my new to me 2004 in San Dollar Pearl, and I find it very amusing figuring out the little things that are wrong with it in the interior. My mirror was being held in place with some camouflaged color tape that I did not see in pictures before buying it. I love how I was able to find this thread to figure out my problem.

 

[ChuckB]

This thread is EXACTLY why I love this place!


Had the wobble with the rearview mirror. Initially tried tightening the exterior screw, no joy. Realized after investigation that the black base attached to the windshield was loose too. Unscrewed the mirror and the metal clip/spring fell out... Tightened the two small screws on either side of the base, and fixed that issue. After fighting it for 30 mins trying to get it all back together, I decided to consult 'Mud after a YouTube search was no help. Quick search and found this thread. Made a couple small bends on the clip and all back together!

Thanks everyone!!

Here we go again... Wobble reappeared after 3 years. I'm guessing I need to re-bend the spring. Knowing this thread exists... priceless!