Side mirror threaded stud size

[GBODY_]

Side mirror popped off and scared the hell out of me. Turns out the threaded stud with spring came unthreaded. Whats the torx size of this?

[GBODY_]

Bump, looking for info please

[EC900]

I understand it might take considerable force to compress that spring, I’ve yet to assemble a spare mirror I have.
But the size is M12 XZN-Triple Square.
Some youtuber used a screwdriver carefully jammed into the hollow tube splines with mirror and wiring left in place, said he got it to set properly.
Also, fwiw…I bought this decent Triple Square set on amazon for another project.
Let us know how your repair goes!

[jimtweet]

Same as flywheel bolt if you have that tool

[GBODY_]

Perfect!!! Yes the spring is very stiff.... any advice on how i can get it pushed in enough to bite onto mirror housing?

[EC900]

Non-powered mirrors I assume and mirror housing is off the door?
Two man operation- one to hold steady on the base and not the mirror housing, the other screws in the tube. Carefully not to cross thread.

Solo, a well padded bench vise would work, but caution not to crack the cast pot metal housing when torquing down.
Alternatively if possible, try to thread the base into the tube/stud secured in the vise but you won’t have a view of what you’re doing.

Important to Lube the threads without the spring first and get everything movingly freely as it will help notice any chance of cross threading occurring and where the stud bottoms out.

No vise? Couple example photos…
Creative Use of clamps, 2x4s, screws, duct tape whatever it takes!

Try mocking up some 2x4’s and plywood base deep enough to make a sturdy, WELL PADDED cradle like this one I use to steady house doors placed on edge when working on mortises and latches.
Make certain that the mirror housing base is in the cradle or vise against a firm surface 90° so tension is in the corner and not cockeyed. You can lay the mirror on a flat table, block the back from sliding and try to screw in the stud/tube at a 90° angle.

[GBODY_]

After secured you just muscled it into place and threaded it on?

Originally Posted by EC900

Non-powered mirrors I assume and mirror housing is off the door?
Two man operation- one to hold steady on the base and not the mirror housing, the other screws in the tube. Carefully not to cross thread.

Solo, a well padded bench vise would work, but caution not to crack the cast pot metal housing when torquing down.
Alternatively if possible, try to thread the base into the tube/stud secured in the vise but you won’t have a view of what you’re doing.

Important to Lube the threads without the spring first and get everything movingly freely as it will help notice any chance of cross threading occurring and where the stud bottoms out.

No vise? Couple example photos…
Creative Use of clamps, 2x4s, screws, duct tape whatever it takes!

Try mocking up some 2x4’s and plywood base deep enough to make a sturdy, WELL PADDED cradle like this one I use to steady house doors placed on edge when working on mortises and latches.
Make certain that the mirror housing base is in the cradle or vise against a firm surface 90° so tension is in the corner and not cockeyed. You can lay the mirror on a flat table, block the back from sliding and try to screw in the stud/tube at a 90° angle.

[EC900]

Pretty much brute force but carefully not to damage the casting and/or to have the housing assembly slip off the bench. So that where creativity comes in play to hold it steady by clamps, etc and sturdily in place. A lot depends on dexterity, more force can be had when using downforce, so using a cradle on the floor, you able to bend over and use more shoulder muscle into the guide tube as you’re turning it.

Also + Keep housing alignment in the “open” or outward position (i.e. as if the mirror should be when driving). Duct tape will hold it aligned. My mirror has a nylon triangular spacer between the base and mirror housing that acts like a glide to fold the mirror when it’s mounted.