Lubricate Power Folding Tow Mirrors?

My power folding tow mirrors have been giving me issues when un-folding. Sometimes they don't un-fold all the way and if I forget to check I may drive off and notice that one mirror is pointing at the side of the truck instead of traffic beside me. It's dangerous sometimes. If I cycle them 2-3 times they will usually fold/un-fold completely but that's getting annoying.

I'm thinking (hoping) it's just a lubrication thing as they do squeak when moving - like a plastic on plastic squeak. What would one lubricate these mirrors with? I have a whole slew of lube sprays but I don't know which would be best. White Lithium, WD40, chain lube, dry lube, etc.

 

No one's into lube?

 

I’m having the same issue. 2-3 times to get the mirrors to fold open and close all the way.

 

Are these OEM or from 1AAuto (or other aftermarket)?

 

OEM

 

@Roman May know something about this

 

Is it possible for you to take them apart to see where it is binding? Maybe there’s a way to clearance some of the plastic and lube the gears. Or maybe just some dry silicone spray blasted up in there. Or even something as simple as spraying wax addict to treat the mirrors plastic may also act as a lube.

 

I honestly haven't heard of this. I would think it would be related to dirt or gunk build up, but the only way to know that would be to take them apart somehow and then clean and lube it all up. I'd be super cautious with trying to take them apart, though.

 

I tried the dry silicone spray with no luck. It seemed like anything I tried was just surface lube and just dries up with no actual benefits. I assumed it was a sealed system to keep dirt and grime out. So in turn no lube can get in without taking the mirrors apart.

 

Taking them apart isn't something I would personally try on $400 mirrors (or $800 if you bought OEM). 1AAuto was kind enough to replace mine under warranty.

 

So I take it you are getting them replaced under warranty through 1AAuto? When you hook up the new ones, put a little dielectric grease on the connections just to ensure that’s not your issue.

 

Is it always binding at the same location in folding, or does it vary?

 

I had them replaced a while ago. I first started this thread in September. It’s just now getting some responses

It def didn’t seem like a connectivity issue. I remember hearing a plastic squeaking noise most the time when it would get hung up. I even tried applying grease to the outer plastic pieces in case they were rubbing.

 

They would pretty much bind up at the same point. Almost like they would torque out. With a little assistance they would fully travel but it’s a little hard to reach the passenger side mirror from the drivers seat.