Wing mirror vibrating or loose: causes and fixes
Safety first: wear gloves and eye protection around cracked glass, and check your vehicle handbook before taking anything apart. If your car has airbags, sensors or cameras near the door and you are not confident, use a qualified fitter.
A shaky mirror makes it hard to see behind you, and it often gets worse at speed. The cause is usually a loose mount, worn clips or a damaged housing.
Where the movement comes from
- The whole mirror moves on the door: the mounting nuts or screws may be loose, or the mount is worn.
- Only the glass shakes: the glass clips or backing plate are worn. See glass keeps falling out.
- The mirror drops or flops: the internal pivot or adjuster may be worn.
- It moves after a knock: the housing or arm may be cracked.
What to check
- Hold the mirror and gently wiggle it to see where the movement is.
- Check the trim panel at the inner corner of the door. Behind it are the fixing nuts, which may need tightening.
- Look for cracks in the housing or arm.
Fixing it
Loose mounting fixings can often be tightened. A worn mount, cracked arm or damaged pivot usually means replacing the unit. If only the glass vibrates, replacement glass may be enough.
For replacement steps, see replacing a wing mirror.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my wing mirror shake at high speed?
Wind forces can amplify a small looseness. Loose fixings, worn pivots or glass that no longer sits tight are the usual causes.
Is a loose wing mirror dangerous?
It can be, because it can give a poor view and may come off completely. Fix it as soon as you can.
Need help finding the right mirror?
Send us your registration number, which side (driver or passenger) and a photo of the back of the mirror, and we will point you to the correct part.