# Glue is failing on the metal piece that holds the rear view mirror, any advice for permanent fix **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 22, 2026, 12:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094 "2026-08-22T12:08:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Beancounter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/59ef9b/32.png) [@Beancounter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beancounter)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2026, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094/21 "2026-08-23T21:30:16Z")
“If you hear hoofbeats in the distance, it’s a safe bet to assume they’re horses instead of zebras”. Vehicle manufacturers and Windshield Replacement Installers have used glue for many years now with no problem so it’s a safe bet to assume the problem isn’t the glue. The actual problem / solution is to obsessively remove all the old adhesive and other “schmutz” from the window and rear view mirror before attaching with new glue. Clean both parts thoroughly, sanding on the metal/plastic and acetone/pure alcohol on the window and mirror fitting and when you think you’re done do it twice more. Be aware that acetone is dangerous, very flammable, potentially explosive and should only be used in in small quantities, in a well ventilated area free of sparks. And if you have any doubt about your ability to DIY correctly, locate a quality professional Windshield Replacement firm to do the job for you. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094/22 "2026-08-23T21:57:34Z")
![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/0/c/0c46c6fab899d8f7cfe207dad00f4e6996b35b8b.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/7/0/70befb3b59df92c28bb841bb45892dff40f8b596.jpeg) > [@asemaster](#): > > I have found it difficult to remove all the previous glue residue from the mirror button Take a razor blade and remove as much as the old glue as possible from the windshield and the button. Soak a rag with brake parts cleaner and clean the windshield and the button until all the remaining glue is removed. Apply the high temp epoxy to the button and put it in place. Take a piece of tape and apply it to windshield to hold the button in place until the epoxy fully cures. Remove the tape and install the mirror. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094/23 "2026-08-23T23:06:25Z")
> [@Beancounter](#): > > Vehicle manufacturers and Windshield Replacement Installers have used glue for many years now with no problem so it’s a safe bet to assume the problem isn’t the glue. OEM uses a different adhesive. > [@Beancounter](#): > > The actual problem / solution is to obsessively remove all the old adhesive and other “schmutz” from the window and rear view mirror before attaching with new glue. I clean both surfaces with a new razor blade and isopropyl alcohol, mirror comes loose after three years. The mirror landed on the center console and the glass cracked, I replaced the mirror with a used one. I purchased a new mirror from Rock Auto for $14, but the mount is smaller (included), however the old mount has not come loose in 5 years, I think I finally got some adhesive that was not expired. The new mirror remains in the trunk. > [@Beancounter](#): > > And if you have any doubt about your ability to DIY correctly, locate a quality professional Windshield Replacement firm to do the job for you. That would be very generous of them. ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2026, 11:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094/24 "2026-08-23T23:12:41Z")
if all the above fail you can try something like this. it’s usually for the winter, but this one is also reflective for summer. [Amazon.com: Car Windscreen Cover (57" x 41") Extra Thick 4-Layer Protective Windshield Cover for Car, SUV & Truck, Snow Ice Frost Sun UV Dust Water Resistent, All-Season Windshield Protection : Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3GH5B2X?tag=consecho5869-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&language=en_US&ascsubtag=us_cid2977334) ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 1:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094/25 "2026-08-24T01:15:28Z")
Replacement buttons are cheap, I’d go that route. But I’d clean the new one, too. ---
**Author:** ![ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/christhetirewhisperer/32/34798_2.png) [@ChrisTheTireWhisperer](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ChrisTheTireWhisperer)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2026, 11:35pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094/26 "2026-08-24T23:35:48Z")
Another option: Contact your car’s mfgr and find out what adhesive they used when they built the vehicle! (tongue in cheek) [Previous page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/glue-is-failing-on-the-metal-piece-that-holds-the-rear-view-mirror-any-advice-for-permanent-fix/206094.md?page=1)