Proper Procedure to remove mirrors on an Rt?

[vendit]

What is the proper procedure to remove the mirrors on an RT? I watched the video that Lamont did quite a few months ago, but I guess I wanted some clarification. Do you pull out on the bottom first to pop out of the clips, and then slide up? Or...do you just start by sliding the whole mirror straight up?

Thanks for any help on this.

Mike

 

[BlueKnight]

You pull out the bottom first, then slide up.

 

[GeoffCee]

You pull out the bottom first, then slide up.

Which I find is easier said than done. So much force is needed to release the two spring catches at the bottom that the whole mirror often pulls off towards you in one go. This weakens or even breaks the plastic of the slide-in mount at the top. It's a poor copy of the BMW mirror mount which is better and stronger for having three spring catches and no slide-in mount. Just my 2 cents. :sour:

 

[ThreeWheels]

GeoffCee is correct.
I find a sharp upward rap on the outside edge of the mirror under the turn signal will often break the spring clips free without destroying the plastic slider.

Nevertheless, the plastic slider is a separate replacement pice that you can buy for about $5. DAMHIKT.

However, I'm finding out that many of the panels can be removed without taking the mirrors off.

The lower side panels can be taken off (carefully) without first removing the mirrors and the top side panels. This makes it a little easier to change the oil.

 

[Lamonster]

GeoffCee is correct.
I find a sharp upward rap on the outside edge of the mirror under the turn signal will often break the spring clips free without destroying the plastic slider.

Nevertheless, the plastic slider is a separate replacement pice that you can buy for about $5. DAMHIKT.

However, I'm finding out that many of the panels can be removed without taking the mirrors off.

The lower side panels can be taken off (carefully) without first removing the mirrors and the top side panels. This makes it a little easier to change the oil.

I agree with you on rapping the bottom of the mirror to get it off. I put a little pressure upward and then smack it.

I'm not sure I would pull and lower panels off without removing the mirror, That puts a lot of stress on those little tabs and they could break off and then you're screwed.

If you want to make your oil change easy and not have to take off any panels other than the one you check your oil with I would remove the splash pan under the oil filter and leave it off, then you don't have to mess with any of that. :doorag:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?14647-Lamonster-Oil-Change-on-the-RT

 

[ulflyer]

Getting at the transmission filter is another matter; its a real bitch without removing all the panels. If anyone has a shortcut, please let us know.

 

[NancysToy]

I rap the front first to pop the front spring, then rap upward to release the bottom spring. It is more controllable, and less effort to relase one spring clip at a time. Then it it just a matter of lifting slightly to remove the remaining post from the keyhole.

 

[Lamonster]

Getting at the transmission filter is another matter; its a real bitch without removing all the panels. If anyone has a shortcut, please let us know.

Pull the pins in the vent cover and move to the side.

 

[SpongeBob]

Splash Pan

I can see where removing the splash pan makes life considerably easier.

But ... isn't it there for a reason? Does it protect any vital organs against damage from road debris ? :dontknow:

 

[NancysToy]

I can see where removing the splash pan makes life considerably easier.

But ... isn't it there for a reason? Does it protect any vital organs against damage from road debris ? :dontknow:

My understanding is that it is there, at least in part, to allow the Spyder to meet regulatory noise requirements. We have had no problems, and have never even had to clean the engine, with the pan(s) off in thousands of miles. Removing the left side pan is one of the first things I do to a new Spyder.

 

[SpongeBob]

Thanks, Scotty. It's on my list for when I do my first oil change.

 

[MarkLawson]

I agree with you on rapping the bottom of the mirror to get it off. I put a little pressure upward and then smack it.

I'm not sure I would pull and lower panels off without removing the mirror, That puts a lot of stress on those little tabs and they could break off and then you're screwed.

If you want to make your oil change easy and not have to take off any panels other than the one you check your oil with I would remove the splash pan under the oil filter and leave it off, then you don't have to mess with any of that. :doorag:
http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?14647-Lamonster-Oil-Change-on-the-RT

Also, if you've installed the KewlMetal highway brackets, removal/installation of those splash panels becomes much more difficult. Leave 'em off!

 

[vendit]

Thanks folks for the help. :yes: