Driver Side View Mirror Installation. I'm Stuck!

[drewusmaximus]

Hi all, 2002 A4 1.8T Quattro

I'm new to the forum and I'm looking for some guidance on installing the side view mirror.

This is my stepson's car and one day I drove it to work and a deer collided into the car, damaging the windshield, driver side fender, side view mirror, and rear driver side door.
I bought the replacement parts and now I am trying to install the side view mirror. I found video on how to remove the mirror but, not to install it. I can't seem to find a way to get the plastic part of the housing under the rubber trim. It looks as I have to seat it on the plastic's base and somehow get the top part of the plastic housing under the rubber trim.
I don't know what to without ruining the rubber trim or putting too much force that the plastic housing might break.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance

[diagnosticator]

The mirror assembly is bolted to the door. Is the mirror already unbolted from the door? Please clarify the problem using the diagram view and part reference numbers shown.



BTW, Welcome to Audizine!

[drewusmaximus]

I removed the broken mirror already. I had to remove the door panel to get to the wire that connects to the regulator. I fished out the connector, fish the new wire through the door, plugged the connector, assembled the door panel and attempting to put on the new mirror. I took off the plastic on the inside and the foam from the outside. I have the foam back in and attempting to secure the mirror but, it won't align properly. the bolt aligns from the other side but, won't fit completely under the rubber.
http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/dr...0.jpg.html?o=1

[diagnosticator]

Looks like you need to remove the mirror again and reposition the mirror base, #9 above, under the trim lip while positioning the mirror on the window frame.

[drewusmaximus]

Exactly!!! I tried several times but, the upper lip does not go under the rubber trim. I'm afraid if I put too much pressure I will break the housing. I don't know how to get that lip under the rubber trim.
Maybe the foam is preventing the wire base from moving downward so that I can't adjust the upper lip under the rubber trim?

[drewusmaximus]

Is there a procedure on how to install the mirror? I cannot get the upper lip (no. 9 in diagram) under the rubber trim... I can't find an installation procedure anywhere...

[diagnosticator]

The only item I could find in the Bentley, is to carefully place the gasket under the mirror base when assembling.

I think you will need to remove the trim around the window, then mount the mirror then replace the trim around the window, so that the mirror base is against the window frame before the trim is installed around the widow frame.

That way, you don't need to work the mirror base under the trim lip, because installing the trim after mounting the mirror, will automatically place the trim lip over the mirror base.

[drewusmaximus]

Thank you very much!! I pulled up the rubber trim, fastened the mirror enough so it doesn't move and have room to push down the trim, and tightened the mirror!

Thank you for your guidance!