Interior mirror - refit ball & socket

[Palfrem]

This link to an eBay item illustrates my problem with an interior mirror.

1992 MERCEDES 300 W124 T REAR VIEW INTERIOR MIRROR | eBay

I need to get the ball back in its socket but after an hour of faffing and puffing it has defeated me.

Either I am too wimpy or there is a Teutonic knack.

I've tried heating the socket with a hairdryer to no avail.

Fingers crossed & thanks

 

[DSM10000]

Place the part with the ball in the freezer for a couple of hours and then heat the socket?

 

[A250 Bennyboy]

Agree the cold will contract the ball and warm the socket with and hairdryer if possible and the should expand the plastic socket, also apply a little vasaline and push fermly together

 

[Palfrem]

Place the part with the ball in the freezer for a couple of hours and then heat the socket?

Yes, but the ball bit is still attached to my G Wagen and my freezer is not quite big enough.

Tried grease, etc., to no avail.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I managed the same when I was removing the mirror to fit an auto dimming on my W202. I tried for nearly an hour. Went in doors, had a beer came back out and did it 1st time... weird! leave it for a bit and try again

 

[DSM10000]

Yes, but the ball bit is still attached to my G Wagen and my freezer is not quite big enough.

Tried grease, etc., to no avail.

Details Dear boy, merely details

 

[Palfrem]

Just back from a reasonable late "lunch" and a satisfying amount of red wine
Had I just had the one beer Mr Hertz....
Maybe I will sneak up on it tomorrow when it least expects me.