I'm painting my side mirrors on my '02 but ran into a little snag trying to remove them (The passenger side anyway, haven't tried the drivers but assume its the same.)

I've got the inside panel off that covers the tweeter and the bolts, removed all three bolts holding the side mirror on (and even removed the bolt holding the tweeter in place) and the mirror becomes loose and I can start to pull it out but after pulling out less than a half inch or so, there appears to be another bolt that is somewhat loose but the head of the bolt is larger than the hole its through so it will not pull through. If this bolt should be removed, then I can't see how it should be removed. There appears to be no way to access it from the inside (aka the bolt-head side). It also doesn't appear to be just an insert or pin that just needs to be tugged on and will pop out cause i can see it pretty good and its def a bolt and after giving it a decent tug its def gonna bend the metal plate its bolted through before its gonna come out.

I've searched here and haven't found any indication of anybody having this extra unremovable bolt (and how to get it out). Anyone?

I've got a 2002 FSM I could reference, but its stuck in my storage unit right now and I can't get to it for a few days or so. Any help is appreciated.

-Ferg-

 

i have always used a tree or rock to remove my mirrors


















online fsm: http://ncttora.com/fsm/index.html

 

LOL. Need to keep them, not bust the crap out of them.

Oh ya, failed to mention I checked the online FSM and it only has info for a poverty-package style mirror or something. Its not even close to what mine are. Looks totally different and shows only the three bolts and no other detail. R.M. 2002::Body (Mechanical): Front Door: Components (4Runner)

-Ferg-

 

This is the only other page I can find that references the side mirrors: R.M. 2002::Body (Mechanical): Front Door: Disassembly (4Runner)

6. REMOVE INNER COVER AND REAR VIEW MIRROR
(a) Using a screwdriver, remove the inner cover.
HINT:
Tape the screwdriver tip before use.
(b) w/ Electrical retract system:
Disconnect the connector and remove the clip.
(c) Remove the 3 bolts and rear view mirror.

Not extremely helpful...

-Ferg-

 

I just removed the mirrors on my 01 last week and ran into the same problem. That bolt you're talking about does actually fit through the hole, it just has to be at the correct angle and lined up perfectly. Lift the mirror up slightly and it should slip through.
It seems to be there just to hang the mirror on while you get the inside bolts threaded in.

 

Really?!?! Alrightty sir, I will give it another go then.

Thanks!

-Ferg-

 

Well, that worked like a charm. Seems like it lets go just at the point where you think you're gonna either break the mirror, or bend the sheet metal.

Thanks again eric-the-red!

-Ferg-