Squeaky folding mirror

[BQF]

The rubber on my mirror squeaks like mad when it folds in - what can I squirt on it to stop the squeaking, but that won't affect the rubber???

 

[travelininstyle]

The rubber on my mirror squeaks like mad when it folds in - what can I squirt on it to stop the squeaking, but that won't affect the rubber???

Hello - do not be tempted to use vaseline,or back to black bumper stuff - they contain aliphatic solvents - although initially it will appear to relieve the problem,the solvent will attack the rubber and over tine it will crack and split severely - try any silicone based grease,polish sparingly.

 

[bigfatjim]

Hello - do not be tempted to use vaseline,or back to black bumper stuff - they contain aliphatic solvents - although initially it will appear to relieve the problem,the solvent will attack the rubber and over tine it will crack and split severely - try any silicone based grease,polish sparingly.

The exact same advise was given to Christopher Biggins after 3 weeks in the Jungle:

Dear Mr Biggins

Re: You intimate issue

Do not be tempted to use vaseline,or back to black bumper stuff - they contain aliphatic solvents - although initially it will appear to relieve the problem,the solvent will attack the rubber and over tine it will crack and split severely - try any silicone based grease,polish sparingly


OOoooh no Mrs. Stop it.

 

[verytalldave]

When the mirror is folded back, get a can of either WD40 or 3-in-1 and fix the little plastic tube to the nozzle. Give the inside of the mirror a damn good spray all round the internals. Don't worry about it all dripping down the paintwork, it wont do any harm, just wipe it off.
Operate the mirror a few times, give it another few blasts and wipe off runs down bodywork.
This will stop the squeaking. Guaranteed. Repeat every couple of months and your mirrors will operate as quiet as a church mouse.
That's exactly what I have done/do with mine.

 

[effbee584]

Thanks for the stopping mirror squeak advice, just bought new can of WD40 at Maplins. This will be its first job.
My Driver side mirror sometimes need a push to start unfolding, so I seldom fold them in since I heard that they are very expensive to replace if the fail completely, maybe it just needs WD40, I'll report back when done.

 

[whitenemesis]

I wouldn't recommend WD40 but would use a PTFE "dry lube" spray as used on mountain bike chainsets. Very good lubricating properties, won't attract dirt and won't polymerise. Available from Halfords

 

[verytalldave]

I did ask 2 completely separate well known (to this forum) MB techys about using WD40 and I was assured it was fine, would do no damage and when it dries leaves a protecting film.
The PTFE spray you mention I believe is the 3-IN-1 spray I mention as the alternative to WD40 is (I think). At least that's what it says on the can.
I have used both and both seem to work equally as well as each other. Perhaps in the long term, the PTFE spray might be a better bet.
But certainly using ANYTHING is better than using nothing and just leaving the mirrors to squeak,groan and stick.

 

[whitenemesis]

Definitely better something than nothing Dave!

The 3-in-1 I know (and have in my garage) is simply a thin oil grade, excellent at lubricating but doesn't contain PTFE? WD40 does dry to leave a film but this film is more for repelling water and doesn't have much in the way of load bearing lube properties.

The stuff I use on my mirrors dries almost instantly to coat surfaces with a PTFE film (slightly milky colour). The propellant does carry it into all the nooks 'n crannies though. Designed to lube bike chains it is very resilient

 

[verytalldave]

That stuff that goes that milky colour is what Andy at WrightTech who services my car puts on all the door and bonnet hinges.
I didnt realise that was the stuff you were talking about.
I will have to get him to shoot some inside the mirrors next time it goes in.

BTW....the 3-IN-1 spray does contain (according to the can) PTFE, although it doesnt go that colour.

 

[A210AMG]

When the mirror is folded back, get a can of either WD40 or 3-in-1 and fix the little plastic tube to the nozzle. Give the inside of the mirror a damn good spray all round the internals. Don't worry about it all dripping down the paintwork, it wont do any harm, just wipe it off.
Operate the mirror a few times, give it another few blasts and wipe off runs down bodywork.
This will stop the squeaking. Guaranteed. Repeat every couple of months and your mirrors will operate as quiet as a church mouse.
That's exactly what I have done/do with mine.

^ This is exactly what I did, athough the first time it rained I did have quite a line of WD40 / dirt that had washed out of the mirror

 

[whitenemesis]

That stuff that goes that milky colour is what Andy at WrightTech who services my car puts on all the door and bonnet hinges.
I didnt realise that was the stuff you were talking about.
I will have to get him to shoot some inside the mirrors next time it goes in.

BTW....the 3-IN-1 spray does contain (according to the can) PTFE, although it doesnt go that colour.

I only have the 'std' 3-in-1 drip can version, no PTFE, unlike the 'Pro' spray type

I see they also do a special Bike version now, should work well on mirrors but not sure how 'clean' it is?

Bike Maintenance Spray | 3-IN-ONE OIL

 

[verytalldave]

I would place bets that "special" bike spray is identical to the general PTFE spray. Just repackaged for the niche market.

 

[bostonmj]

That stuff that goes that milky colour is what Andy at WrightTech who services my car puts on all the door and bonnet hinges.
I didnt realise that was the stuff you were talking about.
I will have to get him to shoot some inside the mirrors next time it goes in.

BTW....the 3-IN-1 spray does contain (according to the can) PTFE, although it doesnt go that colour.

You may find that the white residue is from Lithium Grease rather than the PTFE lubricant. I recently had a thread 'which lubricant' where we discussed the pro's and con's of PTFE against WD40. I used the dry PTFE to lubricate the boot lock mechanism and lock barrel and the Lithium grease on the roof mechanism and hinges.

 

[BQF]

Doesn't WD40 contain rubber-attacking solvents?

Is a silicone spray better?

 

[whitenemesis]

Doesn't WD40 contain rubber-attacking solvents?

Is a silicone spray better?

See post #6

 

[horgantrevor]

guys wd 40 if only to free some thing up its not a lube

3in1 oil or silicone based products are the best for this

if you want to do the right job take cover odd mirror
and grease up the moving parts

grease is the best for this job

if you want to know how too remove a mirror on a w202 ,w210 , w140 look at this link


YouTube - Model202 B.MPG

YouTube - MB W210 mirror cover

 

[horgantrevor]

guys wd 40 if only to free some thing up its not a lube

3in1 oil or silicone based products are the best for this

if you want to do the right job take cover off mirror
and grease up the moving parts

grease is the best for this job

if you want to know how too remove a mirror on a w202 ,w210 , w140 look at this link


YouTube - Model202 B.MPG

YouTube - MB W210 mirror cover

 

[rf065]

Did you post once for each mirror?

Russ

 

[fatdazza]

I wouldn't recommend WD40 but would use a PTFE "dry lube" spray as used on mountain bike chainsets. Very good lubricating properties, won't attract dirt and won't polymerise. Available from Halfords

Hi - I suffer from the same squeaking rubber surround when the mirror folds back. Could you provide a brand name for the lube you use?

Thanks

 

[whitenemesis]

Hi - I suffer from the same squeaking rubber surround when the mirror folds back. Could you provide a brand name for the lube you use?

Thanks

This is the stuff I use, the aerosol spray version. On the rubber surround I spray carefully directly onto the seal. Once dried it is easily removed from the (hopefully!) waxed paintwork with a clean cloth

Finish Line - Bicycle Lubricants and Care Products