Why is the mirror vibrating so bad I can't see behind me?

[WILDEBILL308]

Why is the mirror vibrating so bad I can't see behind me? All the screws are striped and the threads are rusted off. Yes, I said screws. Who would use just wood screws to mount a major component like the rearview mirror? Ok I know I am a little critical because I come from an aerospace background and can't imagine some of the things I have seen in RV construction.
So for a temporary repair I put some larger screws screws back in till I get home (out back of Zion today) where I will do a more permanent and more robust repair.
If your mirrors are vibrating you probably have a similar problem.
Bill

[WILDEBILL308]

dougrainer wrote:
1. NOBODY seals the OUTSIDE mirror mount screws/bolts. In 37 years as a Tech, I have never seen any sealant to prevent rust to the mount screws.
2. The OP has a 14 year old motorhome. So, yes, after 14 years some things will rust or come loose.
3. To the OP, REMEMBER the wire Chafing problem on F-16's years ago? (Ft worth built). Even Aerospace has quality problems.
4. If this was a BIG problem, you would see mirrors in the ditches, Doug

This just proves my point. The lack of quality practices is why people have so many problems with water infiltration.The fact that the decorative covers over the screws had no sealant provides a place for water to collect and make the problem worse.
You can't excuse all the problems in the RV world by bringing up a small problem in the F-16 program.
By the way Doug what RV do you own?
Bill

[WILDEBILL308]

joebedford wrote:

WILDEBILL308 wrote:
Why is the mirror vibrating so bad I can't see behind me?

You driving a Harley?

Looked the same.
Bill

[joebedford]

WILDEBILL308 wrote:
Why is the mirror vibrating so bad I can't see behind me?

You driving a Harley?

[BrianinMichigan]

I wound up using stainless bolts and going through the wall.

[lj2654]

I had to replace all the screws holding my mirrors on after a trip to Iowa three years ago. They worked loose on all the great highways we have across the country. I used stainless screws, large fifty cent size flat washers and lock washers. Their was no support to mount nuts on the fiberglass cap so I made up some from a tube made of aluminum and drilled the appropriate sized holes thru them.

[dougrainer]

1. NOBODY seals the OUTSIDE mirror mount screws/bolts. In 37 years as a Tech, I have never seen any sealant to prevent rust to the mount screws.
2. The OP has a 14 year old motorhome. So, yes, after 14 years some things will rust or come loose.
3. To the OP, REMEMBER the wire Chafing problem on F-16's years ago? (Ft worth built). Even Aerospace has quality problems.
4. If this was a BIG problem, you would see mirrors in the ditches, Doug

[John_Joey]

What you're seeing is the symptom not the problem. Like Gjac said, you have water infiltration occurring. Your solution will fix the issue, but not the root problem.

[Ivylog]

I hope you have long arms... you will need them to get that metal bracket up there on your Bounder. Before you drill the holes larger, make sure your plan will work.

[WILDEBILL308]

Gjac wrote:

WILDEBILL308 wrote:
Why is the mirror vibrating so bad I can't see behind me? All the screws are striped and the threads are rusted off. Yes, I said screws. Who would use just wood screws to mount a major component like the rearview mirror? Ok I know I am a little critical because I come from an aerospace background and can't imagine some of the things I have seen in RV construction.
So for a temporary repair I put some larger screws screws back in till I get home (out back of Zion today) where I will do a more permanent and more robust repair.
If your mirrors are vibrating you probably have a similar problem.
Bill

Chances are if the treads are rusted off of the screws you have a leak in that area. If it has been there for awhile the wood underneath may be rotted. If this is the case 4 in lag screws into a piece of 1/2 in wood will hold it in place without vibration.

This is a classic example of the difference between the two standards of quality. RV no sealant no paint and low grade unplated screws. I will use stainless bolts with a metal backing plate all put together with wet sealant.
Bill

[WILDEBILL308]

rjxj wrote:
AEROSPACE vs RV? You are in for a lot of surprises. 🙂

Tell me about it. The screws were only #10X11/2, to hold the big heavy rear view mirrors. I replaced with stainless #12 X 11/2 They tightened up pretty good. The threads on the old screws were mostly gone. I think they will hold till I get home in a month or so.I will make a better repair then.
Bill

[azrving]

AEROSPACE vs RV? You are in for a lot of surprises. 🙂

[Gjac]

WILDEBILL308 wrote:
Why is the mirror vibrating so bad I can't see behind me? All the screws are striped and the threads are rusted off. Yes, I said screws. Who would use just wood screws to mount a major component like the rearview mirror? Ok I know I am a little critical because I come from an aerospace background and can't imagine some of the things I have seen in RV construction.
So for a temporary repair I put some larger screws screws back in till I get home (out back of Zion today) where I will do a more permanent and more robust repair.
If your mirrors are vibrating you probably have a similar problem.
Bill

Chances are if the treads are rusted off of the screws you have a leak in that area. If it has been there for awhile the wood underneath may be rotted. If this is the case 4 in lag screws into a piece of 1/2 in wood will hold it in place without vibration.