[ForTwo2005]

Hi
We've had our Smart Fortwo for a couple years now. Bought a 2005 model year in Colorado and drove it back to Idaho.

We had an exuberant car wash attendant :twak: wrench loose the passenger side wing mirror and so are looking for someone who sells the parts to fix it.

I see full mirrors for sale but would like to try to fix the current one. A lock washer bent out of shape and sprung off inside the plastic silver housing holding the actual mirror, so the whole housing leans over like a puppy dog's ears.

I just need a new lock washer (certainly well under $10) not a new mirror frustration: apparently over $250) so would appreciate anyone who might know a place where or a person who might be able to help.

 

[NCC1701]

Welcome to SCoA!!! :wave:

Sorry I can't answer your questions. But, someone will, no doubt.

 

[jkjahobbs]

:welcome:to the forum aka asylum. We are all a bit crazy about our cars and some of us are just crazy.

I also don't have an answer to your question though I'm wondering if all you need is a lock washer is it possible your local auto parts or hardware store might have one. I realize it could be a specific type you need.

I'm sure someone else on here might have the correct answer for you.

 

[rawhidekid]

Recommend you look in the 450 section. Welcome to the club.

 

[wrumbarger]

examine the part very closely (magnifying glass)
see if you can find a number that starts A450********

That would be the part number, any mercedes place CAN order the parts for a 450, (some WON'T)

 

[GetSmrt28277]

might want to try the Canadian group's site
Club smart car as they may have a resource for the 450's

Maybe smartmadness (one of our vendors)?
www.smartmadness.com

 

[kennyrayandersen]

welcome aboard, long live the 450! LOL

 

[ForTwo2005]

Rest Of The Story ...

Thanks for the well wishes and suggestions. Because of your responses, I thought I'd tell the "rest of the story":

I took the assembly off and saw that clearly the lock washer had been bent slightly so it "let go" of the rim it was pressed on to, holding compressed a spring that keep the mirror in its operational position but allows it to break away if jarred. Since the cables controlling the interior adjustment of the mirror position pass through the mount, the spring, and the washer, it was easy as I took off the mount to see how it all went together and that the washer had merely fatigued and popped off.

:think:

So, ..., I used a hammer to flatten out the lock washer, then used two opposing large socket wrench sockets on either end of the assembly to re-squeeze the spring assembly back together using a bench vice. It held - but only for about 2 minutes after light flexing of the mount (simulating what a more gentle car was attendant should do before a car wash) when the lock washer once again gave loose. Without the adjustment cables running through all its pieces, however, the spring flew off and at least to this point has disappeared from view in my garage! So I put the whole thing together (minus the spring) and took a picture with a piece of paper on which I drew what the washer looked like when in position. I'll post it to my photo album!

An uber-Machinst friend of mine said the washer must be made of "Spring Steel" and probably lost its tempering when it fatigued. I'm gonna search my garage tomorrow for the spring JIC it can be matched...

 

[jwight]

examine the part very closely (magnifying glass)
see if you can find a number that starts A450********

That would be the part number, any mercedes place CAN order the parts for a 450, (some WON'T)

Not what our local dealer says; their parts guy says if a dealership doesn't carry the franchise (smart in this case) they're not allowed to order parts for those cars. If you can clear this up it would be a great help.

 

[kennyrayandersen]

Not what our local dealer says; their parts guy says if a dealership doesn't carry the franchise (smart in this case) they're not allowed to order parts for those cars. If you can clear this up it would be a great help.

There was a post earlier where a 450 owner got the local MB dealer to order parts. We had hopefully taken that as a sign the uber-stupid policy about ordering parts had changed, but I think more was read into it than actually happened. So, it seems if your local MB dealer WANTS to be helpful, he just orders you the part, and if not, he tells you to buzz off.:wink: