AcuraZine - Acura Enthusiast Community

Acura RDX: How to Replace Side Mirror

Side mirrors frequently get broken by accident, but it doesn't have to be that difficult to replace. This article will show you how to replace the side mirrors on your Acura RDX.

By Jared Hammond - April 25, 2016

This article applies to the Acura RDX.

Side mirrors are one of the hardest parts to keep from breaking on your car. They stick out so much that they're practically begging to get hit by any object or vehicle on the road. Just because your side mirror gets dented doesn't mean you have the pay for an expensive trip to the dealer. Replacing the side mirror yourself is fairly simple if you know what you're doing. Here's the step-by-step guide.

Materials Needed

  • Replacement side mirror
  • Plastic trim tool
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Ratchet with socket set

Step 1 – Remove the door trim

Removing the door trim is not complicated, but there are a few screws you have to remember to remove.

Start by pulling on the door handle and prying loose the back panel behind the handle. Put pressure on the panel from the top to loosen the clip, then you can pull it out. Removing that panel will reveal three screws, two of which are Phillips screws. Remove the two Phillips screws.

Figure 1. Remove the two Phillips screws behind the door handle.

Next, pry up the panel around the door grip and remove the screws.

Figure 2. Remove the screws on the door grip.

Now you're ready to start prying off the door panel itself. Start from the bottom and use your trim tool to carefully pry up the clips lining the edge of the door panel. Keep doing this all along the outer edge of the door panel.

Once the panel comes free, do not forcibly pull it away from the door. First, use your needle nose pliers to release the cable for the interior door handle. Then, unplug the electrical harnesses for the door lock and window controller. Now you can set the door panel aside.

Figure 3. Remove the door panel.

Step 2 – Remove the side mirror

Carefully peel away the plastic weather seal until you can identify the side mirror bolts and electrical harness. Disconnect the side mirror electrical harness. Remove the three nuts holding the side mirror bolts to the door. Then, carefully pull the side mirror away from the door.

Figure 4. Disconnect the side mirror electrical harness.

Step 3 – Install new side mirror

Insert the new side mirror's electrical harness through the opening. Line up the new side mirror bolts to the holes in the door, then carefully insert it into the door. Attach the three nuts to the side mirror bolts. Plug in the side mirror electrical harness. Then, return the plastic weather seal so that it covers the door's electronics.

Reconnect the door lock harness, then reattach the interior door latch cable. Line up the door panel and push it so that the clips snap back into position. Return the screws to the door grip and door handle. Then, return the panels to the door grip and door handle.

Figure 5. Replacement side mirror assembly.

Featured Video: Door Panel Removal on 2007 Acura MDX

Related Discussions