A Guide To Replacing Your Nissan Frontiers Side Mirror Glass

Replacing a side mirror glass on your Nissan Frontier might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's a manageable DIY project that can save you a significant amount of money compared to taking it to a professional. This guide will walk you through the process, providing detailed instructions and tips to ensure a successful replacement.

Background: Side Mirrors and Their Importance

Side mirrors, also known as wing mirrors or door mirrors, are crucial safety components on any vehicle. They provide the driver with a view of the area alongside and behind the vehicle, reducing blind spots and allowing for safer lane changes, merging, and parking. Modern side mirrors often incorporate features like heating elements to defrost in cold weather, integrated turn signals, and even blind-spot monitoring systems. However, the core function remains the same: providing essential rearward visibility.

Types of Side Mirrors

Before diving into the replacement process, it's important to understand the different types of side mirrors you might encounter:

Manual Mirrors: These are adjusted manually using levers or knobs inside the cabin.
Power Mirrors: These are adjusted electronically using controls on the door panel.
Heated Mirrors: These incorporate a heating element behind the glass to melt ice and snow, improving visibility in cold weather.
Integrated Turn Signals: These mirrors have turn signal indicators built into the housing.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Mirrors: These mirrors use sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot and provide a warning.

Technical Breakdown: How Side Mirror Glass is Attached

The attachment method of the mirror glass to the mirror housing is key to understanding the replacement process. There are two common methods:

Snap-In Design: This is the most common design. The mirror glass has a plastic backing plate with clips or retaining tabs that snap into a corresponding frame within the mirror housing. This frame is often attached to the mirror's adjustment mechanism. Replacing the glass involves carefully prying the old glass away from the frame, disengaging the clips, and then snapping the new glass into place.
Adhesive Design: Less common, but present in some models or aftermarket mirrors, this method uses a strong adhesive to bond the mirror glass directly to the frame. Replacement here involves carefully heating and separating the old glass, cleaning the adhesive residue, and then applying new adhesive to secure the replacement glass.

Understanding which method your Frontier uses is critical to a successful replacement. You can often determine this by carefully inspecting the edges of the mirror glass. If you see a small gap where you can insert a thin tool, it's likely a snap-in design. If the glass appears to be seamlessly bonded to the housing, it's likely an adhesive design.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your Nissan Frontier Side Mirror Glass (Snap-In Design)

This guide assumes your Frontier uses the more common snap-in design. If you suspect an adhesive design, proceed with extreme caution and consider consulting a professional.

Tools and Materials Needed:

Replacement side mirror glass (ensure it's the correct part for your Frontier's year and model)
Plastic trim removal tool (or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in tape to prevent scratches)
Gloves (to protect your hands)
Clean microfiber cloth
Eye protection
Optional: Heat gun or hair dryer (for cold weather)

Procedure:

Preparation: Park your Frontier on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Put on your safety glasses and gloves.
Accessing the Mirror Glass: Gently tilt the mirror glass inward as much as possible. This will expose the outer edge of the mirror and make it easier to insert your trim removal tool.
Prying the Mirror Glass: Carefully insert the plastic trim removal tool (or taped screwdriver) behind the outer edge of the mirror glass. Apply gentle but firm pressure to pry the glass away from the housing. Work your way around the perimeter, releasing the retaining clips one at a time. If it's cold, you can gently warm the mirror glass with a heat gun or hair dryer to make the plastic more pliable, reducing the risk of breakage. Be very careful not to overheat the glass, as this can cause it to crack.
Disconnecting Wires (if applicable): If your mirror glass has a heating element, you'll need to disconnect the wires connected to the back of the glass. Note the orientation of the connectors before disconnecting them, or take a picture for reference. Gently pull the connectors straight off the terminals. Never pull on the wires themselves!
Removing the Old Mirror Glass: Once all the clips are released (and wires disconnected, if applicable), carefully remove the old mirror glass from the housing.
Preparing the New Mirror Glass: Inspect the back of the new mirror glass. Ensure the retaining clips are properly aligned and not damaged.
Connecting Wires (if applicable): If your new mirror glass has a heating element, connect the wires to the terminals on the back of the glass. Ensure the connectors are securely attached.
Installing the New Mirror Glass: Align the new mirror glass with the housing and gently press it into place, starting with one side and working your way around the perimeter. You should hear a series of clicks as the retaining clips engage.
Testing: Test the mirror's adjustment functionality and heating element (if applicable) to ensure it's working properly.
Cleaning: Clean the surface of the new mirror glass with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges.

Common Issues and Maintenance Concerns

Broken Clips: During removal, the plastic retaining clips on the back of the mirror glass can break, especially in cold weather. If this happens, you may need to purchase a new mirror glass assembly.
Damaged Heating Element: If your mirror glass has a heating element, it can be damaged by excessive force or improper handling. Test the heating element after installation to ensure it's working properly.
Scratched Mirror Housing: Be careful not to scratch the mirror housing during the removal and installation process. Use a plastic trim removal tool to minimize the risk of damage.
Incorrect Mirror Glass: Ensure you purchase the correct mirror glass for your Nissan Frontier's year and model. Double-check the part number before installation.

Do's and Don'ts / Best Practices

Do's:

Do use a plastic trim removal tool to avoid scratching the mirror housing.
Do work in a well-lit area.
Do wear safety glasses and gloves.
Do disconnect the negative battery terminal if you're concerned about accidentally shorting any electrical components. Although unlikely, it is a good safety precaution.
Do take pictures before disconnecting any wires to help you remember how to reconnect them.
Do heat the mirror glass gently in cold weather to make the plastic more pliable.

Don'ts:

Don't use excessive force when prying the mirror glass away from the housing.
Don't pull on the wires connected to the back of the mirror glass.
Don't overheat the mirror glass with a heat gun or hair dryer.
Don't install the new mirror glass without first testing its functionality.
Don't ignore broken or damaged side mirrors. Replace them promptly to ensure safe driving.

Conclusion

Replacing your Nissan Frontier's side mirror glass is a straightforward DIY project that can save you money. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully replace the mirror glass and restore your vehicle's rearward visibility. If you're uncomfortable with any of the steps involved, or if you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic. However, with a little patience and the right tools, you can tackle this project yourself and get back on the road safely.