[V6-12v] 96 A6Q side mirror glass replacement...

[Austin Franklin]

Hi,

I just did the driver's side mirror glass replacement.  At least on my car,
the plastic piece on the back of the mirror that attaches it to the "gimbal"
has 8 clips, not 4 as was mentioned.  Because of these 8 clips, what happens
when you "pry" it, is the 8 clips are much stronger than what they are
mounted to...which is the gimbal, so it really has no choice but to rip out
the gimbal.  The gimbal (open circle of plastic with a cross bar mounting it
to the mirror housing) is only held in by two small plastic "T" points
(gimbal to the cross bar), and two plastic geared "rods" (not really holding
it, but they are attached to the gimbal and easily damaged as well).

So, when "prying" the mirror out, you will more than likely pull the gimbal
out of it's mount, as opposed to separating the mirror from the gimbal.  I
was able to glue the cracked piece back together with some very good plastic
glue I have...and I got it all back together and it works, but I would not
suggest doing this your self if your set-up is like mine.  Let the dealer do
it, since they seem to have a special tool that probably anchors the gimbal.
And, they would be responsible for any damage they do to the assembly behind
the mirror...

Just my $0.02.

Regards,

Austin