Saab Tech Talk (STT)

Workshop for current Saab models => Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) => Topic started by: sgould on 05 December 2011, 08:14:20 PM

Title: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 05 December 2011, 08:14:20 PM
I took the opportunity to take the pictures while I had the mirror glass off to refix the cover that had popped off after being clipped by a passing car.

Really just to show how the retaining spring/wire sits.  Also shows the clip that retains the wire ends.  These have to be released from the hooks to get the glass off.



Mirror clips to the round ring face of the motor.  Note glass heater wires disconnected:


(http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj503/sjgould2002/9-3%20Mirror/DSC02495_zps3cbb96d4.jpg)



The retaining spring:

(http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj503/sjgould2002/9-3%20Mirror/DSC02497_zpsb99a73d5.jpg)



Retaining spring in place ready to clip back on.  Note that the upper wire is close to the heater connector which gets in the way of releasing it:

(http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj503/sjgould2002/9-3%20Mirror/DSC02502_zpsd9902158.jpg)



I use the suction foot of my Tomtom satnav to hold the glass while taking it off and putting it on.  If you press on the edges of the mirror, it will break.

(http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj503/sjgould2002/9-3%20Mirror/DSC02498_zpsf830fc15.jpg)



Back in place with a firm push and the suction foot removed:

(http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj503/sjgould2002/9-3%20Mirror/DSC02503_zps9b4a9f5a.jpg)
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: welshwizard on 05 December 2011, 09:53:29 PM
Will!

Disappointed!  you should have cleaned the inside of the housing before putting the glass back....

;)
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 05 December 2011, 10:29:19 PM
It was so cold I couldn't feel my fingers.  So I just put it back quickly.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Max Headroom on 06 December 2011, 01:19:37 PM
Quote from: welshwizard on 05 December 2011, 09:53:29 PM
Will!

Disappointed!  you should have cleaned the inside of the housing before putting the glass back....

;)

I was thinking it, but didn't want to say it  ;D
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: nigsy on 09 December 2011, 09:43:41 AM
Neat trick with the TomTom suction pad...have to remember that one!
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Mr Linear on 17 December 2011, 03:30:44 PM
My fine motor skills need enhancing!!!!!!

Spent the last 1/2 hour trying to release the clips to take the glass out....

Can anyone help??

How can I tell when the spring is released?

??? :-[
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 17 December 2011, 06:05:44 PM
I had the same trouble at first.  In the end I released the wire with a wide blade screwdriver. Slide it between the wire and the mirror, then twist.  The two plastic hooks point together.  You need to move the wire toward the other then away from the mirror.

When putting it back the wires can be put in place and the mirror pushed and clicked into place. I used a touch of lube.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Geoff1951 on 18 December 2011, 11:10:30 AM
Will, do you know if the procedure the same for 9-5 (pre-Edna)?

TIA.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 18 December 2011, 11:56:28 AM
The 1998-2002 9-5 has a different fixing.  The motor still has a circular face, but the mirror fixes to the circle with a ring of 8 plastic hooks around the edge.

I still used the Tomtom suction foot for support in the centre as the mirror is still fragile and will break if it's pressed at the edges.

To remove the glass you need a small thin screwdriver.  Turn the mirror fully inwards.  Look behind and you will see the edge of the ring.  If you then try to move the mirror further inwards (gently) you should be able to see the join between the mirror and motor open slightly. Stick the screwdriver into the gap an twist. The fixing hooks should release.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Geoff1951 on 18 December 2011, 01:25:44 PM
Thanks Will - it's a '54 reg, Jan. 05 9-5, last update before Edna. I know the glass is a different shape from 2003 cars :( , I've tried the glass Halfords sells.
I'm hoping to just replace the glass onto the shiny black dried out adhesive surface, just getting the glass is tricky, I'm using online breaker searches first. Audax said that 9-3SS mirrors are the same as later 9-5s, I'll see what comes up. Thanks anyway.

(Sorry - off topic from a 9-3SS thread)

G.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 18 December 2011, 01:57:13 PM
The car you have will be the same as the Dame Edna/9-3SS.  Mirror changed for 2003 on both Saab models.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Audax on 18 December 2011, 02:59:47 PM
Quote from: Geoff1951 on 18 December 2011, 01:25:44 PM
I'm hoping to just replace the glass onto the shiny black dried out adhesive surface, just getting the glass is tricky,

The glass is the glass and the black plastic too. You can get a brand new one for about £15 on ebay from neo brothers (and others) that are identical to the glass Saab supply.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Geoff1951 on 18 December 2011, 03:16:44 PM
Thanks Audax - I presume fitting involves a process along the lines described by sgould?

TIA
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Audax on 18 December 2011, 03:40:08 PM
Yes, exactly the same procedure as given above (although I fiddle the clips slightly differently), should maybe create a post in the 9-5 forum pointing here for 03 onwards cars.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Geoff1951 on 18 December 2011, 06:39:45 PM
Thanks Audax.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: Geoff1951 on 20 December 2011, 11:52:24 AM
Just to finish - registered with a couple of online breakers, got a couple of offers, Terry from Neo Bros phoned yesterday morning, I called him back at 4.20 pm, glass arrived at 10 this morning via FedEx. £21.60 inc del. and VAT. Excellent service.

As per sgould's and Audax's pointers above, new mirror on in 15 minutes. Lubrication is essential to be sure it clips home fully, I used GT85 bike spray, nearest thing to hand. Getting the old one out is easy if there's no glass there, the backing plate flexes to access the springs even in this cold weather.

Thanks again chaps.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 20 December 2011, 11:59:23 AM
Well Done! :)
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 06 November 2013, 01:04:25 PM
Edited the first post to re-link the pictures which had become orphaned.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: SK Saab 93 on 29 September 2014, 07:58:19 AM
I have just purchased my first Saab, great motor! Its a Saab 93 Vector Convertible 1.9 TiD. I need to replace the passenger side mirror/glass (not the entire unit) so my question is "How do I remove the remaining bits of mirror?
Once I have removed can anyone recommend whether I get a cheap replacement mirror and stick directly to plastic frame or is it best to buy the original mirror which has the casing attached to it.

Thanks
SK
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 29 September 2014, 08:06:01 AM
Welcome! :)

Best to replace the glass and the plastic. You can get the glass only from the aftermarket, but it usually ones unstuck when you turn on the heating.

Try a new mirror glass from the likes of

http://www.neobrothers.co.uk
http://www.partsforsaabs.com

The Saab approved part is extraordinarily expensive at around £70.  The aftermarket ones are usually under £20.

[edit]

One like this?  http://www.neobrothers.co.uk/mirror-glass-left-alternative-saab-sport-wspring-p-1511.html
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: SK Saab 93 on 29 September 2014, 10:42:27 AM
Thanks sgould.
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: SK Saab 93 on 30 September 2014, 08:18:14 AM
sgould - thanks for your advice, If I purchase the glass you suggested from Neo Bros (One like this?  http://www.neobrothers.co.uk/mirror-glass-left-alternative-saab-sport-wspring-p-1511.html), can I assume this comes with the backing plate or not? In either case do you have any advice for how I should go about removing the current mirror, does its simply snap in and put or is there more to it?

Thanks for your help

SK
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: sgould on 03 October 2014, 06:51:38 PM
I'm on my holiday in Germany.  Just found some wi-fi!!

That mirror comes with a new clip.  I think that's what it says. So it includes the plastic...

Have a look at this thread at the top of the 9-3 forum

http://www.saabtechtalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=973.0
Title: Re: 9-3SS Mirror Glass
Post by: SK Saab 93 on 10 October 2014, 02:42:16 PM
Thanks to sgould for sharing these pictures, I replaced my passenger mirror in the rain last weekend in a matter of 2 minutes, thanks to knowing exactly where to look and poke.