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A few weeks ago I purchased my first Mercedes, a 2001 S430; and one of the few cosmetic issues it had was the passenger sun visor being stuck in a somewhat low position. There was a great amount of tension when I tried to push it up or down. So much so in fact that I though doing so would snap something inside. Not being exactly thrilled about dropping more than $200 on a new one, I decided to go ahead and try to fix it myself. Happily; I am able to report that the process ended up being fairly simple. And, while it is still not as smooth as the driver side's, I'm quite pleased with how well this project turned out.
Here is what I learned:
First; to remove the sun visor from the car you'll need a small flat head screw diver to pry off the cap, and a T25 bit driver to remove the screws.
Once it is off, the next step was to remove the mirror lid. There are 4 snap points, 2 along the top and 2 along the bottom (the long edges). For me, I needed a small flathead, but they came free fairly easily.
Next, I took razor blade and cut along the seam. I went slow and stayed in the center as much possible, so as to only cut the glue and not the fabric. As I went along, I gently pryed the two half apart to help you see better. Once you are finished with the seam, there was some other spots of glue to deal with before it would open all the way. I was able to make due with my small flathead, though a small model knife or knife with a longer blade would have been better.
Here you can see all the pieces laid out. Before placing everything back together, I remove any chunk of the old glue or loose pieces of fabric from the foam.
Here was the source of my problem. Beneath the clip is a small cylinder that is keyed both for the shaft and the clip. My best guess for what happened is that the graphite over time completely worked it's way out making it metal on metal. With out that, the clip essentially became just a clamp.
Using a small C-Clamp I was able to squeeze the clip open and apply some lithium grease. Graphite probably would have been better and last longer, but I didn't have any on hand since my past experiences with it tend to result in a bigger mess.
Before placing everything back together, I used some super glue to repair some of the cracked plastic bits.
For the reassembly, I used a dab of super glue about every half inch along the seam (in case I ever need to open it up again), and then used rubber bands to hold it together while it dried.
hi, I had another username ( Mr.J) but I cant remember my password or what email I used. anyways I made a new one.
I have the same problem, I followed the instructions on here. Here is where things went from 100-0 real quick lol. I broke the clip :/ anybody know where I can just buy the clip?
I really dont want to buy a new sun visor and spend $300+ unless anybody knows where I can buy one for cheap. besides ebay.
so... the write up is perfect. I tryd it.
Here is where everything went south.
after you split it and remove the plastic part, and you try the c-clamp method, BE CAREFUL YOU DONT PRY THE CLIP TOO HARD! bc it will break thats what happened to me.
Knowing the just in case i messed up i would have to buy another in mind, I was lucky enough to find one at a local junkyard for only $15. I got lucky and didnt have to spend $300+ on a brand new one.
Just something I wanted to let you guys know before you tackle this DIY.
I loved your post last year re sun visor repair! However, I don't understand your instruction to use a small C clamp to remove the clip. I can't figure out what to compress with it that would make it come off. It appears to have sort of "latch" on the bottom of it that holds the two sides together, but I haven't been successful trying to pry it open.
I understand that your post was over nine months ago, but if you can remember anything that may help me here, I would appreciate the help!
I loved your post last year re sun visor repair! However, I don't understand your instruction to use a small C clamp to remove the clip. I can't figure out what to compress with it that would make it come off. It appears to have sort of "latch" on the bottom of it that holds the two sides together, but I haven't been successful trying to pry it open.
I understand that your post was over nine months ago, but if you can remember anything that may help me here, I would appreciate the help!
10-31-2014, 07:30 PM
