Nice write up! Hopefully I never need to replace my mirror but I will reference this if I do.

 

Wow, this is freakishly timely. Big thanks Leonard!

Had my first (and hopefully only) accident on the weekend. Had a total brain fade and scrapped the RH side mirror on the garage while reversing out. Managed to damage the main frame, indicator lense, painted cover and unpainted lower cover. :/

Thought to myself, "Ok, probably done a couple hundred dollars worth of damage, not so bad, could've been worse". Phoned my local dealer; a complete assembly without the painted cover is AUD$961.40. I must have blacked out, because next thing I remember is picking myself up off the floor....

We truly get shafted here in Oz when it comes to this sort of stuff. No wonder insurance premiums are so high!!

Anyway, from what I can tell, the US part is identical, so i'll be sourcing it there.

The Australian part number is 87910-42C70.
ToyoDIY.com

My mirror is heated, motorised fold in, has the turn signal light, but no blind spot detection.

I believe the US equiv is 87910-42B80?

Leonard, I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor? If you still have your old mirror, could you take a bunch of photos inside and out (particularly of any markings, numbers, etc) so I can do a comparison with mine?

-Steve

 

The Australian part number is 87910-42C70.
ToyoDIY.com

My mirror is heated, motorised fold in, has the turn signal light, but no blind spot detection.

I believe the US equiv is 87910-42B80?

Leonard, I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor? If you still have your old mirror, could you take a bunch of photos inside and out (particularly of any markings, numbers, etc) so I can do a comparison with mine?

-Steve

A couple of things you need to know, Steve. The motorized fold-in mirrors are not available in North America on the RAV4. The second thing is our RH mirrors are on the passenger side and are convex. They are inscribed "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear". It is possible that you can replace the glass with yours if it's not broken.

 

....with the above said, you may still be able to use the part, you'd just have to compensate by angling the actual mirror glass much more than you're used to. And as JuneBug said, you'd lose your motorized mirror folding as we don't have that option here in the U.S.


I would still be glad to get pics/part numbers for you... just let me know!


(P.S. For those of you who didn't realize the pass. side mirror is angled a bit more than the drivers side, google "2013 Rav4 Front" and look at the images. You'll see it in all of the pics -- some more obvious than others!)

 

Wow, I've never noticed this before. I'll have to check my 4.3 to see if it's the same.

 

Yeah, I'm curious too! Report back (or PM me)... just to satisfy my curiosity... ha.


I checked my other 2 vehicles (2009 Civic sedan and 2004 Saturn Vue). I know the Civic did NOT have mirrors at different angles and the Saturn didn't appear to, but it was cold and I wasn't going to stand out there to stare at it any longer!


As soon as my wife gets back, I'm going to take a couple of pics using an improvised "T" stick I made to better demonstrate this point.




That is... after I assess the damage from her call 5 minutes ago admitting to having hit the trash cans AGAIN...


:doh:

 

It would appear the Australian version of the 4.4 Rav4 has the angled mirror -- on the LH side (opposite our USDM).


This is the best head-on pic of a RHD 4.4 I could find. It's from carsguide.com.au.


To really illustrate, you have to focus on the angle difference between the A-pillar and the inside edge of the mirror housing. The other telltale is when you focus on the turn signal indicator... you can see more of it on the driver's side (in this case RH) than the passenger side:

 

Ahh crap! I didn't even consider those differences! :doh:

I'll have to have a closer look at where the angle differences are. I'm wondering if it's on the car or mirror side of the hinge.

If the bits i've damaged are identical, i'd be more than happy to dismantle the mirror assembly. It sucks that you can't buy more of the individual parts. All the electronics/motors are fine...

Alternatively, perhaps I could source one from another RHD country? I've attached a list of models that uses the exact same part number. Anyone had any luck sourcing parts from the EU?

The good news is I will be able to reassemble the mirror as the damage is only cosmetic, which gives me time to source a replacement (hopefully!) at a reasonable price.

Thanks for all the input folks, really appreciate it!

-Steve

PS. Fixed the photo in the post above so you can see the main damage.

 

Ahh crap! I didn't even consider those differences! :doh:

I'll have to have a closer look at where the angle differences are. I'm wondering if it's on the car or mirror side of the hinge.

It's in how the triangular piece that attaches to the door is molded. That's what's a different angle (or appears to be). I made a "T" out of popsicle sticks and took the following pics then placed side-by-side. The one on the left is obviously my LH or drivers side. The one on the right is my RH passenger side. I put the short side of the T against the window and held the stick at the same level in both pics. You can really see how much more angled the RH passenger side is:

Sorry, I've not ordered parts from other countries before, so I'm no help there.

 

Yes, I can confirm that the 4.3 mirrors are at different angles just like the 4.4 mirrors. I took a ruler and measured from the glass to the outside edge of the mirror housing. The distance was less on the passenger side proving that the passenger mirror is angled in more than the driver's. Never would have noticed this in a million years if Leonard hadn't pointed it out.

 

Never would have noticed this in a million years if Leonard hadn't pointed it out.

Not implying you -- but to all of the OCD Rav4 owners, my apologies! Now it's all you'll notice... ha!


I have a bad combo of super-attention to detail (anal-retentiveness) and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.


...so I most CERTAINLY noticed the angle of the mirror while inspecting my work. As mentioned, I wasted a good bit of time determining that it's a design implication!


:laugh

 

Hi Leonard,

If you're happy to do so, I was wondering if you could do me a favor? Could you pop the painted cover off your old mirror and take a few photos for me?

I finally got a chance to have a good look at the mirror, and i'm thinking I still maybe able to dismantle a US sourced mirror to just get the main frame part (the only part Toyota don't sell individually). The main part of my mirror that is damaged is not actually the part that houses the motor for the motorised fold-in feature.

Thanks,
Steve

 

sorry it's been a busy weekend. We had friends/family at our place for my daughters B-day. This week is going to be busy as well, but I should be able to find some time to take the pics! Stay tuned...

 

No worries Leonard!! I'm in no rush. I've managed to put the mirror back together now, so the damage is only cosmetic.

 

I'm sorry -- I've been very busy lately. I tried to get the painted piece off of the old mirror today but I couldn't get it off of there. I used some of my trim tools and they got eaten up pretty good. Do you have any suggestions or can you see how the painted cover is attached? Does it look like it's supposed to come off?

Where can I find this kind of mirror for my 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE? Thanks

I think I put a link to where I got the mirror in the first post. I used Toyota Online Parts | toyotaonlineparts.com

 

Where can I find this kind of mirror for my 2015 Toyota RAV4 LE? Thanks

 

Hey Leonard,

Sorry for the late reply. I too have been a bit busy of late.

Thanks for your efforts trying to get the cover off. When I hit my mirror, it popped straight off, so I assumed it would come off easily. I've just had a quick go at pulling it back off, and I am having trouble myself.

I believe it has to come off from the top, however I have a copy of the service manual at home, so i'll take a look at that and find out the proper procedure to remove it.

Thanks,
Steve

 

I wanted to thank the OP for this tutorial. I thoroughly trashed my R/side mirror this morning while backing out of the garage.

The instructions and photos were of great assistance in removing my crunched mirror. Just waiting on delivery of the replacement tomorrow at my local Toyota dealer and I can put it back together. $298.95 + tax = ouch! :surprise Expensive lesson.

At least it comes pre-painted.

 

Glad I could help someone!


Too bad you already ordered your mirror -- I posted a link to the dealership (online) where I got my OEM replacement unit for $270 shipped! Coulda saved ~$30. Oh well, live and learn! At least you're not paying the $511 or whatever I was quoted to get it replaced... saved me a chunk of money to DIY.


Admittedly, not my first mirror DIY (broke one off mowing my lawn too close to my Grand AM when I had that POS).

 

Thanks so much for the instructions. You did a great job. I followed it to a T and it only took me 20 minutes to replace. I did not remove the whole panel just enough to get to the connector.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

 

Ha ha you're welcome!

 

:+1::+1::+1: used this thread to replace my driver side mirror the other day

 

Leonard1818,

Can you please repost the images in your DIY? My dad's RAV4 was vandalized and I'm currently waiting for a replacement mirror to arrive and will be attempting to install it myself. I tried searching online and all the links come back to this thread :crying

 

Unfortunately, Leonard hasn't visited this site since August 2016. You might try leaving him a private message. This is why I encourage everyone to post picture directly to RAV4World, either as attachments or to your personal photo album on your profile page. That way the pictures don't go away.

 

Hi Everyone,


I intend to show you how to go about replacing your side mirror on your 4.4 Rav4.


Mine is a 2013, I'm doing it on the passenger side, and I'm using an OEM part. I would imagine the '14 and up to be the same process, I'm sure there are more connections behind the drivers side door, and there may be a some minor differences in a non-OEM part -- I'm not sure. Just beware there could be some discrepancies based on these variables.


Now is probably a good time to mention the disclaimer: Do the following at your own risk. If you PM me, I'd be glad to offer any advice I can -- but ultimately, you're responsible for the work done and the outcome.


With that out of the way, let's get started!


Tools Used:
-- Phillips Head Screwdriver
-- 10mm Socket Wrench (extension very helpful)
-- Trim Removal Tools
Here are the ones I used:
Amazon.com : Ostart 4pcs Auto Car Radio Door Clip Panel Trim Dash Audio Removal Installer Pry Tool : Automotive Upholstery Repair Tools : Car Electronics
-- Claw-Style Retrieving Tool (Optional, probably don't need)

Step 1
Using your Trim Removal tool, remove the "L-shaped" silver trim piece from the interior door-grab, starting at the top and working your way around. This should come off fairly easily. Set aside where it won't get stepped on or scratched.

Step 2
Using your Trim Removal Tool, remove the triangular plastic piece above the door panel, in the front corner of the window. This is a bit harder than the door-grab trim piece, but still should come off relatively easily.

Step 3
Using your Trim Removal Tool, wedge it between the door lock and the plate within the door handle and pry forward to remove. This will come out easily.

Step 4
Now that all of the trim pieces are removed, start to remove the screws holding the door panel in.


Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the 4 screws found behind the "L-shaped" door grab. Set the screws aside, remembering or noting where they came from.

Step 5
Using your Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw behind the door handle trim piece.


This picture also shows the various Trim Removal Tools I used in removing the trim pieces. You can use whatever works best for you.

Step 6
Using your Trim Removal Tool, get between the door panel and the metal door and begin prying these apart. I started at the bottom corner and worked my way around counter-clockwise.

Step 7
Once the door panel is fully undone at the bottom and along the sides, carefully lift the top part out of the window channel. It may help to have something to place the door panel on as we won't be fully removing it from the door. Conveniently, the empty box from the new part sat just high enough to place the door panel on. I don't have a picture of that, but if you get the OEM part, you can probably just rest the door panel on the empty box like I did.


We're not fully removing the door panel because we don't have to for this job. We're only trying to get to the white wire harness for the mirror.

Step 8
Unclip the wire harness. I don't have a picture of the harness plugged in, but if you've made it this far, you should be able to figure out how to unclip a wire harness Just push the little tab in and pull the harness out.

Step 9
Now it's time to start removing the actual mirror assembly itself. Besides the 3 obvious 10mm bolts holding it on, there is a small metal clip and it's also fastened to the door gasket with small "button" style fasteners. These fasteners STAY WITH THE RUBBER DOOR SEAL. They unclip from the mirror assembly itself. Here is a pic of the metal retaining clip and one of the two door seal "buttons"


Unclip these "buttons" first, then, using your 10mm socket wrench, begin removing the 3 bolts. Be VERY careful not to drop these into the door!! Tape your wrench to the bolt w/electrical tape if necessary. Also, this will separate the assembly from the door, so be sure you're supporting this as you remove the very last bolt. I removed the top one last. The metal retention clip will just come right out once everything else is removed.

A few more of the little door gasket "buttons". Remember, these unclip from the MIRROR assembly not the rubber gasket.

That's it for removal. Bolting the new one on should be pretty easy from here on out.


-- Feed the wire harness through the square cutout in the door.
-- Position the mirror as it should be
-- Bolt it on with the 3 bolts (CAREFUL TO NOT DROP THEM). I would recommend tightening them in unison - so do each one a little bit until they're all tight.
-- Plug the harness in
-- Button the door seal to the mirror with the "button" clips
-- TEST the turn signal and the motion of the mirror.
-- Put your door panel back on - sliding it into the window channel first
-- Replace screw behind door handle
-- Replace screws behind "L-shaped" door grab
-- Replace all trim pieces


A few MUST READ notes/tips:

1. When you are reinstalling the new mirror, Be VERY careful not to drop any of the bolts into the door. Tape them to your wrench if needed. I dropped one in during reinstall and it was a PAIN.


2. It appears the holes on the new mirror are smooth on the inside and made to accept the self-tapping bolts. So you are literally tapping the holes in the new mirror (OEM in my case). This makes it hard to tell when it's fully secure and also makes you feel like you're cross-threading badly. You're not, just be very careful.


3. The trim removal tools are probably not 100% necessary -- a flat-head screwdriver can do some of that stuff. But I will say, having done these types of things before... just buy the tools... They're $5 or $6 on Amazon and they work.


4. When reinstalling the bottom screw behind the "L-shaped" trim piece, be careful to not drop this into the small cutout slot in the door panel or you'll be taking the whole door panel off again. I ended up taping this to my screwdriver with electrical tape to ensure it wouldn't fall through. If you have a magnetic screwdriver, that may work too (couldn't find mine).






















Before:

After:

For anyone interested, I purchased the OEM replacement here:


Toyota Online Parts | toyotaonlineparts.com


My dealer quoted me something like $385 for the part and $95 for labor to put it on ($480 + tax = $511.20)


I got the part above shipped to me for $270!

Hi Lenard,
Your information and guide was fantastic! Thank you so much for posting this! I brought my mirror from CMG.com.au (car mirror glass) and they were great also with the OEM part- works just like new after we followed your tutorial and handy pics!
Many grateful thanks 🙏,
Amy

 

My Apologies- I meant to type Leonard instead of Lenard 🤭😳.

Hi Leonard,
Your information and guide was fantastic! Thank you so much for posting this! I brought my mirror from CMG.com.au (car mirror glass) and they were great also with the OEM part- works just like new after we followed your tutorial and handy pics!
Many grateful thanks 🙏,
Amy