Broken Folding Mirror: Repair Tips & Tricks:-((

Hello,

Here's a piece of advice based on my experience, for the benefit of the reader:

"On our 3 1/2-year-old Ibiza, both mirrors (manual adjustment) would no longer fold in, despite our best efforts."

At first, I was even unsure if it would ever be possible, but a question in the Ibiza forum was clearly answered with "yes."

So, I fiddled with it a few times, jiggled it around, and then it started working again -> *creak, scratch...*

Beneath the removed mirror cover, I saw "beautifully" corroded aluminum, which had been damaged by salt and water, and which formed the hinge.

I first oiled everything and swung it back and forth about 20 times. Now it's working "like new" again.
If the oil has seeped everywhere in a few days, apply another layer of grease spray on top for long-term protection.

My Polo, of course, received two applications of silicone spray to the mirror hinges, as its mirrors are still relatively easy to move.

I would like to share the following as a preventative tip.
If our Ibi had made contact with an enemy while holding a broken mirror, it would certainly have torn everything apart as if they were completely immobile.

The tip is really very helpful!

I live on a narrow street and regularly adjust the mirrors of my A3.
Over time, I had to really hit it hard to get it to flip over, and the noise...
The reflections from the mirrors were about as pleasant as getting hit in the face with a...
Biting into a pebble. I sprayed the mirrors with WD-40 about two years ago.
and I haven't needed to add any more since then.

It's more effective to remove any salt deposits from the hinge on the aluminum frame, for example, by using lukewarm water and a small brush.
Please use grease (not oil), as the oil will leak out too quickly and could then damage the sides of the car while driving.

In my opinion, silicone spray lubricant is the best option.