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Porsche 928: How to Reinstall Driver Side Mirror

A loose, missing, or faulty driver's side mirror can lead to accidents. This article explains how to reinstall a Porsche 928 driver's side mirror.

By James Karuga - April 8, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 928 (1979-1995).

The driver's side mirror is vital, especially when reversing or when you want to see the cars behind you to change lanes. The absence of the driver's side mirror compromises the occupants' safety as well as the safety of other cars on the road. With time, the mirror's grip may loosen due to the driver's side door bashing as it opens or closes, or if the adhesive wears out due to elements like the sun. The driver's side mirror can crack or detach from the housing and fall off. Should that happen to your Porsche 928, you can buy a new mirror and reinstall it in the gap. Reinstalling a new driver's side mirror for the Porsche 928 is a simple DIY job.

Materials Needed

  • Flat head screwdriver
  • New driver's side mirror
  • Glasses/mask and gloves
  • Silicone adhesive
  • Alcohol/soapy water
  • Masking tape

Step 1 – Pry out old side mirror

With a flat head screwdriver, pry off the old mirror still stuck to the mirror housing. Tap the mirror housing slightly so that the tiny glass pieces are totally removed. You do not need to remove the mirror housing assembly altogether from the car.

Figure 1. Old mirror removed.

Pro Tip

Ensure you wear glasses or a mask and hand gloves to shield your eyes and hands from tiny mirror pieces.

Step 2 – Clean the mating surfaces

With alcohol, clean the surface on the mirror housing where the replacement mirror will stick. This gets rid of old hardened adhesives or dirt and debris stuck there. If the old adhesive can't be easily removed, sand it out lightly. You can also clean the rear surface of the replacement mirror just to get rid of any dirt or dust.

Figure 2. Make sure the surfaces are clean.

Step 3 – Apply the sealant

Apply the silicone adhesive on the surface of the mirror housing where the replacement mirror will be anchored. Then, apply the silicone adhesive on the surface of the replacement mirror. Use an adhesive like Permatex, Prosela, or Loctite.

Figure 3. Sealant applied (Porsche not pictured).

Step 4 – Press in the mirror

Press in the replacement mirror on the anchoring surface of the mirror housing. Do it gently so that the mirror does not break, and then wrap the mirror housing plus the mirror using tape. This ensures the mirror won't fall off while the silicone cures.

Figure 4. Finished mirror, tape removed.

Pro Tip

Allow for 24 hours to pass so that the silicone completely cures before driving your car.

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