Do you have a 2007 Chevy Malibu? I do and I'm here to help you along. I want to talk to you about replacing the outside mirrors, either driver side or passenger side. It's a pretty simple process, however, it takes more than many other makes and models.
First things first. This is not only a how-to type read, it's a walking you through from start to finish. I've done this work myself, and will spell out exactly what you need to know to get it done.
Okay, so you just got your side mirror knocked off by some guy driving through the airport arrivals. What do you do? Well you gotta have a mirror to make it through the rest of the airport, so grab some packing tape that you just happen to have and have a go.
Now that you have your mirror secured by whatever means, you need to get to ordering a new mirror. The mirror that you get will be everything you need. It will have the bolts to secure it and the entire body that goes flesh against the door. The best way I get my parts is researching online. Look at different stores online. I found mine at Amazon (dot) com. You can try the Chevy dealer, but you'll be paying a hefty price tag. Main idea, get that mirror. Lucky for us Malibu drivers, the mirrors aren't painted so we don't have to pay any painting fees. My wallet doesn't enjoy buying gold paint.
Now that you are home with you mirror, it's time to get it on. Before we do this, we have to get the old mirror off. This is no easy task. However, once you get this done, you've already got half the work to get the new one on.
Tools you will need are a narrow flat head screw driver, narrow pry bar, needle nose pliers, a hex-key set, and a socket wrench to match the nuts on the mirror. Start by finding an oval-shaped tab right behind the handle bar on the door. Using the screwdriver, go from underneath and pop out that tab. Use your hex-key to unscrew the screws. Repeat that process with the control tab. With this, I suggest using a shop rag to keep from scratching or damaging the panel. Once you get this tab off, disconnect the signal cables from the door lock and the window controls. Next you need to pop off the covering around the door latch handle.
Now that you have this done, it's time to take off the door panel. Using the pliers, pull off the two circular tabs along the door jam. Now take your pry bar, starting from the bottom next to the door hinges, pop off the door panel. You will hear snaps, that's a good thing. Once you have all the snaps undone, slide the panel up and out. You'll have to be cautious around the locking lever.
Now you have a view of the mirror cover. Slide it up over the tabs that are securing it to the door. Now take your socket wrench, get rid of the other bolts. When you have all the bolts removed, slide the mirror out.
You have successfully removed the old mirror! Now it's time to put in the new mirror. We are going to start by inserting the mirror in the appropriate holes and tightening them down. You can't tighten them too much, just don't strip the nut. That simple. You now have your new mirror installed. To close up, just go in reverse through the steps I just led you through. Good job!