Auto folding wing mirror plastic spring support bearing broken

[Itchigo55]

Hi all, after some research it seems most cars motorised wing mirrors are similar to this set up but Citroen's and Renault's in particular are exact. I've replaced the plastic tube bearing thing (link below) inside the wing mirror as it had broken, this has a spring wrapped around it that needs compressing then the plastic tube twisting so it locks into position, has anyone successfully done this? I cannot compress it enough and turn it, any tips or special tools out there I should be using? Thanks

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373150723399 ... media=COPY

[GiveMeABreak]

I can't help you I'm afraid as these are for the most part, and excluding the glass and shell covers, a complete replaceable item.

[Itchigo55]

Rats! I looked previously as it's been broken for a while and there were non for sale, seems like there's a market for them and it's a fairly regularly occurrence otherwise why would they manufacture them. I'm currently trying to find a vice of clamp to somehow push it down but no idea how I'll twist it to lock it in place. So frustrating.

[GiveMeABreak]

You might be able to get a new pattern part. There are some companies that make the wing mirror units in the various configurations depending on options and are a lot cheaper.

Here:
https://www.alkar.es/en/

and here:

https://www.wingmirrorman.co.uk/

Pop your VIN up if you need a hand working out which type you have.

[citroC5]

A few years ago, I used to own a Mazda6, and tiny little plastic cog inside the wing mirror broke. I couldn't get a replacement part and the only option seemed to be to buy a new mirror, which would have cost at least €56 for a used one.

What I did was I made a 3D model and 3D printed it, in this case out of PET-G. What I don't know is if what I'm saying is applicable. Would a replacement spring help?