🔧 Wrangler - Side View Mirror Replacement

Replacing the side view mirrors on your Wrangler is a beginner-friendly job. The mirrors are mounted to the outside door hinge area, so you do not need to remove the door panel for the standard factory mirrors.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes per side

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Park on level ground and set the parking brake before starting.
• ⚠️ Support the mirror with one hand while removing the final bolts so it does not fall and scratch the door.
• ⚠️ If your replacement mirrors have wiring for heated mirrors or power adjustment, do not pull hard on the connector.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not normally required unless you are repairing damaged mirror wiring.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Torx T40 bit socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive extension 3-inch
• 10mm socket
• Trim removal tool set
• Torque wrench 5-50 Nm
• Painter's tape 1-inch
• Microfiber towel
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Left side view mirror assembly - Qty: 1 if replacing driver side
• Right side view mirror assembly - Qty: 1 if replacing passenger side
• Mirror mounting gasket - Qty: 1 per mirror if not included
• Mirror mounting bolts - Qty: 3 per mirror if originals are damaged or corroded

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📋 Before You Begin

• ✅ Put your Wrangler on level ground, shift to neutral, and set the parking brake.
• ✅ Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
• ✅ Apply 1-inch painter's tape around the mirror mounting area to protect the paint.
• ✅ A Torx bit is a star-shaped driver used on many Jeep body fasteners.
• ✅ A torque wrench tightens bolts to a measured amount so they are not too loose or too tight.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Protect the Door Paint

• Use 1-inch painter's tape to cover the painted area around the mirror base.
• Place a microfiber towel on the door below the mirror to catch any dropped bolt.
• Wear safety glasses and mechanic gloves.
• Tape prevents small scratches.

Step 2: Check for Mirror Wiring

• If your mirror is manual with no heat or power adjustment, continue to Step 3.
• If your mirror has a wire harness, open the door and use a trim removal tool to gently release the small interior trim access cover near the mirror area, if equipped.
• Use your fingers or the trim removal tool to press the connector lock tab, then unplug the mirror connector.
• Do not pull on the wires. Pull only on the plastic connector body.

Step 3: Loosen the Mirror Mounting Bolts

• Support the mirror with one hand.
• Use a Torx T40 bit socket, 3/8-inch drive extension 3-inch, and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to loosen the mirror mounting bolts.
• Loosen each bolt a few turns first, then remove them fully.
• If any bolt uses a hex head instead of Torx, use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet.
• Keep one hand on the mirror.

Step 4: Remove the Old Mirror

• Use your hand to pull the mirror straight away from the door.
• If the gasket sticks, use a trim removal tool gently around the base.
• Do not use a screwdriver against the paint.
• Remove the old gasket if it stays on the door.

Step 5: Clean the Mounting Area

• Use a microfiber towel to wipe dirt from the mounting surface.
• Make sure the surface is flat and clean so the new gasket seals correctly.
• Do not scrape the paint with metal tools.

Step 6: Install the New Mirror

• Place the new mirror mounting gasket onto the new mirror base if it is separate.
• Hold the new mirror against the door by hand.
• Start all mounting bolts by hand first. This prevents cross-threading, which means forcing a bolt in at the wrong angle.
• Use the Torx T40 bit socket, 3/8-inch drive extension 3-inch, and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to snug the bolts evenly.

Step 7: Torque the Mirror Bolts

• Use a torque wrench 5-50 Nm with the Torx T40 bit socket to tighten the mirror bolts evenly.
• Torque to 11 Nm (8 ft-lbs).
• If your replacement bolts are 10mm hex-head style, use the 10mm socket on the torque wrench 5-50 Nm.
• Do not overtighten. The mirror base and door hinge area can be damaged.

Step 8: Reconnect Wiring if Equipped

• If your mirror has wiring, plug the mirror connector back in by hand until it clicks.
• Use the trim removal tool to gently snap the access cover back into place.
• Make sure the harness is not pinched near the door or mirror base.

Step 9: Adjust the Mirror

• Sit in the driver seat.
• Use your hand for manual mirrors, or the mirror switch if equipped, to adjust the glass.
• Set the mirror so you can just barely see the side of your Wrangler and mostly see the lane beside you.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Open and close the door slowly to confirm the mirror does not move or rattle.
• ✅ If equipped, test power mirror movement in all directions.
• ✅ If equipped, test heated mirror operation with the rear defrost switch.
• ✅ Drive at low speed first and listen for wind noise or vibration.
• ✅ Recheck the mounting bolts after a short drive and tighten to 11 Nm (8 ft-lbs) if needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $180-$420 per mirror (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$220 per mirror (parts only)

You Save: $120-$200 per mirror by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.