MGB & GT Forum

The ball and socket on the side mirror is frictionless which makes the side mirror unusable. Anyone else have this issue? I don't see a way to tighten the tolerances to keep the mirror from flopping around. Any recs?

I admit I don't know how the friction design is arranged on these type joints, but...


Just watched a video, linked here, https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?&q=how+to+fix+loose+side+view+mirror+ball+joint&&mid=1883A03ED6C37886E47B1883A03ED6C37886E47B&&FORM=VRDGAR, where the mirror was 'popped' off the ball by pulling it away, then placing a nitrile glove finger end over the ball to create a new 'friction' cover, and snapping the ball back into the socket. Seems like a reasonable, cheap fix. I'd certainly give it a try.

Also, behind the mirror glass, there may be a clamping plate that can be tightened.
This would require removing the mirror plate, but that risks breaking the glass if not done with care.
Some mirrors plates are 'snap in' arrangements, and others afixed with hot glue, so removal may require heat to loosen the hot glue.

Another (uneducated) thought, if I had this problem, is to first clean out any lube from the socket by blasting it with brake cleaner or acetone. (SHIELD/PROTECT YOUR PAINT)

Let that evaporate completely.

Maybe that will stiffen the joint.
If not...

I'd try heating the joint with a hair dryer or heat gun, then using a hot glue, inject into the socket. (if possible)
Heating the joint may help the glue migrate deeper into the socket.

While still warm, adjust mirror to the angle needed for driving.

Let joint cool for a good long while... 1/2 hour, to assure harding.

Hope for the best.

Nice looking mirror, by the way.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2024-04-17 04:09 AM by Drewski.

Does the mirror ball assembly come out? If so, try putting a small piece of either real steel wool, or synthetic steel wool in the socket. Also a small piece of neoprene.

It looks like you have what many refer to as "the crack of doom" which is a crack from the where the mirror bolts on to the top of the door, I think I see that crack in your picture. if so, then the door needs to be repaired to fix that.

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Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com

I believe the crack is actually a relief cut made by the previous owner (intentional).

?? How does one make a relief cut without leaving a kerf or gap?

Sure looks like the "crack of doom", as seen on thousands of other MGBs.

I believe there is a kerf, but yes, either way there's a split. I'm not really concerned about it - it isnt a show car. I'm more concerned about the functionality of the mirror (hence the post).