Question: How can I fix my rearview mirror’s ball joint?
Answer: You can fix your rearview mirror’s loose ball joint by locating the screw and tightening it. If your mirror is still wobbly, it might be time for a new mirror.
What you’ll need
All you’ll need is a good screwdriver set to get started. A Phillips screwdriver head will usually work, although you might need a Torx driver for some vehicles.
Make sure that you use the correct screwdriver size. Otherwise, you might strip the screw.
How to tighten your rearview mirror
Here are three DIY ways to fix your rearview mirror’s ball joint depending on where your mirror’s screw is located.
Underneath the mirror
Have a look underneath your mirror, close to where the mirror’s flip tab is to look for a screw. It might be a hexagon set screw or Philips head screw. Once you find this screw, tighten it up. This will tighten the ball joint and make your mirror stay in place.
The roof of the car
Some cars have a ball joint connection inside the roof that you’ll need to access to tighten it. Refer to your owner’s manual to figure out how to remove the plastic covering at the base of your rearview mirror. Then, find the base of the mirror and tighten the adjustment screw. This should tighten the ball joint connection.
Inside the mirror
If you can’t find a screw underneath your mirror or behind the plastic covering, your car may have a screw on the mirror that needs tightening to fix the mirror’s ball joint. You should refer to the owner’s manual to locate the tightening screw before taking your mirror apart to look for it yourself.
Watch a video tutorial
If you’re more of a visual person, try looking around for videos of rearview mirror repairs. You’ll find plenty of full video tutorials of savvy mechanics fixing rearview mirrors with wobbling swivel balls.
Many video tutorials feature specific car brands, including Acura, Ford, Toyota, and Honda.
Reasons why your rearview mirror might be loose
Normal wear and tear can cause your rearview mirror to become loose or fall off. The top culprits are:
- Direct sunlight
- Vibration
- Frequent adjustments or being hit by people who use the car
- Accidents
- Improper repairs
You can keep your rearview mirror and side view mirrors in tip-top shape with occasional cleaning and tightening.
You may need to install a replacement rearview mirror
If you can’t seem to fix your loose rearview mirror, it might be time to remove and reattach your mirror or purchase and install a new mirror. Most generic mirrors will work in cars of different makes and models.
To source a mirror that has more technical components, such as auto dimming or electro-chromatic tech, you can head to your local dealership to buy an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement mirror. You can also try looking on eBay.
You’ll also need an interior rearview mirror replacement kit, which you can purchase at an auto parts shop. The kit will come with everything you need to install your mirror, including cleaning agents, adhesive (like epoxy), and mirror assembly hardware.
From there you’ll need to remove the old mirror from the windscreen and install the new one. Make sure to prep the glass after you take down the old mirror and carefully follow the replacement kit’s instructions when installing the new mirror.
Hillary Kobayashi is an insurance writer and editor specializing in insurance and finance topics. Hillary’s mission is to use her knowledge and love of education to help car owners better understand how they can save time and money on car ownership. The articles Hillary has published for Jerry span topics from state-specific bill of sale requirements to SR-22 insurance information. Prior to joining Jerry, Hillary spent over ten years in education at Pacific University and the University of Oregon.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Kevin Berry is the Senior Director of Content at Jerry and has been working in the digital content space since 2011 across the car insurance/repair, personal finance, travel and sports industries. Prior to Jerry, Kevin was a content team lead at NerdWallet overseeing the Multimedia Production and Travel Rewards teams. Previously, he worked for NBC Sports, Comcast Cable and Nike. He has a Master`s Degree from Arkansas State and a Bachelor`s from Oregon State University.
