The side mirror dip on reverse feature recently started acting up on my 04XJR. This was a practical problem for me because I use this feature when backing into a parking spot. I decided to clean and lube both assemblies. Having benefited personally from clearly documented maintenance procedures posted by forum members, I thought someone might benefit from my experience here. Blairware recommended Fluid Film in a post on "Squeaking Drivers Window" and I use it where a non-petroleum based lube is desired. I've used DeoxIT D100L on electrical connectors for years for cleaning of oxidation and for some protection upon reassembly. For cleaning I use a mineral spirits dampened rag or swab. A swab is also useful for spreading lubricant on bearing surfaces when you get to that point.
Fluid Film for lubrication (Thank you Blairware!), DeoxIT to clean and protect electrical connectors. Fluid film is lanolin (not petroleum) based.
Tilt mirror to expose outer edge. Pull outer edge sideways to clear retaining clip and then pull slightly forward to release.
Here the outer side of the mirror is released. The inner side is still secured.
Tilt mirror to expose the inner edge.
Slide mirror (to right in this image) to clear the retaining clip and pull slightly forward to release the mirror. Be careful not to strain the three electrical connectors to the mirror (heater & electro chromatic). Disconnect the electrical connectors.
The motor assembly is secured with three T10 screws. Note the plastic spring clips on the left and right sides of the motor assembly. There are the clips you had to pull against to release the mirror glass.
The decorative back cover of the mirror assembly is secured by three clips at the top and three or four tabs at the bottom. Pry the two exposed clips (illustrated here) releasing the top of the cover. Gently pull the TOP of the cover back continuing to rotate it back pivoting on the bottom tabs to release the back cover.
Notice all the dust & dirt inside the assembly. Note the drain hole above the end of my finger. Now is your opportunity to clean all this out.
On the bench: the back side of the motor assembly. The back cover secures the back of the dust cover by friction. Pry it up carefully mindful of the electrical connector wires in the opening.
Freeing the dust cover.
Remove the dust cover being careful not to stretch it out allowing for reuse. The front edge of the dust cover registers with a groove in the front half of the motor assembly.
Note all the dirt inside the motor assembly. The assemblies are almost entirely plastic. Clean with caution to avoid breaking anything. I used a rag or swab dampened with mineral spirits to clean stuff out. You don't want puddles of anything getting in here while you are cleaning.
The motor assembly is in two halves that rotate back and forth over each other as the motor racks push/pull the front half. The back half (shown upper here) fits over the front half (shown below here). This is a plastic-plastic bearing surface trapping and grinding dirt over the years. The more scratches and dirt the greater the friction when adjusting the mirror position. Clean all this up with a damp rag or swab (I used mineral spirits).
Apply the fluid film sparingly. Only a drop or two. Then reconnect the motor assembly to the car and operate it back and forth to disperse the lubricant. Any excess lubricant will tend to trap dirt in the future so go lightly and remove any excess.
Lubricate the bearing surfaces. Operate the motors exposing all the sides of the bearing surfaces for lubrication. Operate the motors to work the lube between the two surfaces. Remove all excess lube from the outer surface of the back assembly (upper portion here) as this is not a bearing surface.
I also place a little lube on the top and bottom edges of the dust cover before reassembling it. Make sure the front of the dust cover engages the groove. Make sure the back cover secures the back of the dust cover.
Cleaned & lubed assembly ready to be reinstalled.
Reinstallation is the reverse of disassembly although I suggest reattaching the back cover of the mirror assembly after everything else is back together and has been tested.
Many thanks wwr, I'll be following your guide to the letter tomorrow as my latest "Self Isolation" job. By the time this virus is gone I'll have the tidiest garage, neatest garden and 2 jags with no oustanding jobs to do . .......maybe
. .......maybe