Side mirror removal (rusty bolt).

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
2

Hi,

    I’ve been trying to remove my drivers side manual door mirror on my mk1 (as it’s getting a bit stiff and the passenger side snapped off once it reached this level of stiffness) to use a fixing kit on it, however one of the two screws doesn’t want to turn. It will turn 45 degrees to tighten itself, but not to loosen it. So far I’ve tried:

  • Copious amounts of WD-40 branded fast release fluid.
  • Standard screw drivers of various handle sizes (with PH/PZ3 heads which seemed to fit best).
  • Drill with screw driver bit (this was the only way I managed to get the screw that's out out).
  • Ratchet screw driver with above heads.
  • 4 pound lump hammer (used lightly).
  • Lighter, small hammer (again used lightly).
 

   It still however refuses to budge.

  Does the screw go into anything on the other side under the interior door panel or is the thread it goes into part of the door skin itself? Ideally I don’t really want to take the door panel off to see if I can do anything from the other side or risk damaging things by attempting to drill it out but I’m running out of ideas as to how to get it to start moving so I wondered if anyone else had any suggestions?

Thanks.

3

Try something like Shock and Unlock spray instead of WD40. Use impact driver or correct JIS screw bit on a socket and ratchet.

You’re not going to get to the captive nuts by removing the door trim.

4

Thanks for the reply.

This morning I figured I’d give it one last try before ordering the items you suggested.

I found a PH3 head which was ever so slightly thicker metal than the heads I had tried yesterday (incl. another PH3) and that in conjunction with my ratchet screw driver (which is a flat version of a socket set ratchet) gave me enough low down leverage/torque to get it turning. I’m guessing the penetrating fluid won’t have done it any harm either.

I did notice by comparing the two mirror screws that the one that did come out more easily has a little plastic washer on it presumably to prevent water ingress to the door and prevent rusting to the screw itself which the other one doesn’t have (and it is a bit lumpy on the thread with rust).

I have new screws on the way so I’m just glad it’s out and now I know about impact drivers it’s definitely going on my shopping list for the future.