How to Replace Your Rearview Mirror

Replacing your vehicle's rearview mirror can be a quick and simple DIY job. Paying close attention to the included directions in the brand of adhesive you choose will ensure that when you replace your vehicle's rearview mirror, you don't run into too much trouble.


Tools & Materials List

Step By Step Instructions

Additional Resources

Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Gloves Gloves

Crayons
Crayon

Adhesive Rearview Mirror Adhesive

Rearview Mirror Rearview Mirror (If Needed)

Razor Blade Razor Blade

Duster Dashboard Duster

ArmorAll Glass Cleaner Glass Cleaner

Towel Microfiber Towel

Instructions

Whether you’re putting the old mirror back up or replacing it with a new one, these directions should help. Different brands of adhesive may vary slightly, so be sure to follow the directions for the brand you have. As a general rule, only make this repair in temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees. For our purposes, we’ll be demonstrating this on a small piece of glass, but the application will be the same on your windshield.

If you don’t feel completely comfortable doing this yourself, we can refer you to a professional detailer in your area.
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Using a crayon mark the outside of the windshield
Step 1: Mark the outside of the windshield
Mark the outside of the windshield with a crayon to indicate exactly where the button was attached.
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using a razor blade carefully remove old adhesive from glass
Step 2: Clean the glass and mounting button
Detach the mounting button from the mirror bracket.

Scrape the inside windshield glass and the mounting button thoroughly with a new razor blade in order to remove all the old glue. Always scrape in a direction away from you.

Do It Right: Glass can be easily scratched, so keep the razor as close to parallel with the glass as possible. If the mirror is mounted in the dark strip at the top of the windshield, be especially careful.

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clean the marked area on the inside of the glass
Step 3: Open the cleaner/activator towelette
Open the cleaner/activator towelette and clean the marked area on the inside of the windshield. Allow two minutes or wait until the area is completely dry. Do NOT touch the windshield after priming it with the towelette.
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apply adhesive to the mounting button
Step 4: Apply glue
Look at the mounting button and be absolutely certain about how it should be oriented when you attach it to the windshield. The round end will be at the top, and the flat side should be against the glass. You'll have only one chance to attach it the right way. Open the glue and apply just one drop to the center of the button. Too much glue can run and cause problems.

Do It Right: It’s a good idea to use scissors to cut off a corner of the glue packet. This will allow you to control the amount and direction of the glue.

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apply the button to the marked area
Step 5: Apply the button
IMMEDIATELY apply the button to the windshield, making sure the correct side is up, and hold it firmly in place for sixty seconds. Most products, including the glue we used for this demonstration, will recommend waiting 15-30 minutes for the glue to set, but some professionals recommend 24 hours just to be certain the glue is completely dry before mounting the mirror to the button.

Do It Right: If the button is mounted incorrectly, it’s best to bond another button onto the original one rather than trying to remove it from the glass.
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clean the outside glass to remove crayon
Step 6: Clean the outside of the windshield
While the button is drying, clean off the crayon from the outside of the windshield. Refer to our DIY How to Clean Your Vehicle’s Windshield Inside and Out
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attach the mirror bracket to the applied button
Step 7: Attach mirror bracket
Attach the mirror bracket to the mounting button.
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Additional Resources

Cleaning your Windshield

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.

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