How to fix side view mirror, glass only?

Someone clipped my passenger side view mirror last week, but only broke the glass. I purchased an aftermarket replacement glass, but it was awful and didn't last a day. I purchased the OEM glass replacement from a Ford dealer online arrived today, but can't seem to figure out how to re-attach it. I have looked at my Haynes manual and this form, but can't seem to find anything. I mostly find how to replace the whole assembly.

Can anyone tell me how to replace the sideview glass on a 2004 Explorer XLT? The side view is powered and lighted, but not heated.

All help would be greatly appreciated as I nervous driving my toddler around the greater NYC area without a side view mirror!

 

[MONMIX]

believe it or not it just snaps in.

It takes a scarey amount of pressure though and I have broken more than a few in the instalation process..

Examine it real closely and you will see the tabs that click it into place. If the recieveing tabs on the mirror body are broken then your efforts are futile.

Good luck.

 

[PoloT]

Replacing Ford Explorer mirror glass: not a futile effort

I disagree with the futility assessment of replacing just the mirror glass, even if the tabs are broken or deformed. The replacement glass comes with glue strips that will secure the glass to the frame. And, following the instructions that come with the glass, you can fill the border with silicone, which will secure it even better.

Check the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUcpzHx2ZR0
shows how to remove the broken glass and place the new one.

Another video, similar in scope:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv74ok1Pw2A

The replacement right-side (passenger side) mirror for my 1996 Explorer is:
Door Mirror Glass Right Dorman 51586.
Unfortunately, at this time (2014) it is not in production anymore, but still can get one on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/13117329131...em=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr

It is $25. Not cheap. Specially when the whole assembly can be bought for around $30+S&H (made in China). I was lucky to find one Dorman 51586 glass for just 12 bucks! including S&H. But that is unlikely to happen anymore.

Replacing the glass in old Explorers may be way faster than replacing the assembly, because doesn't involve taking apart the door, with great risk of breaking tabs or losing screws, unplug various connectors, speaker, etc.

Replacement of the whole assembly is described in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7yEfLXPlJw

Actually, I was able to replace only the mirror, even though the backing actually was broken itself, by gluing it with an epoxy glue (Poxipol type - 2-tube compound) and a reinforcing mesh. Your mileage may vary: depending on how broken it is, you may be able to, fix it or not, with varying amount of extra work. At this point, it may take you longer to fix things than replacing the whole assembly... it is your call. In my case I had also to invent and make a whole construction in the back, because the 'ball and socket' over which the mirror rotates/moves, was loose from the impact that broke the glass. That was a lovely exercise and 'DIY' ... but ended up taking quite a bit of extra time for making it happen, after shopping for the little parts required to complete my design (2 extension springs Servalite #87U , 2" x 1/8", 0.25 wire gauge; small metal screws 1/4" to hold the springs).