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doanjax · 10-04-2022, 06:13 PM

Hello fellow RVers.
I have a 2007 Monaco Cayman. The Driver's mirror is loose. The 4 lag bolts that screw into the fiberglass cap are loose and I need to tighten the bolts. The black cap needs to be removed to tighten the bolts. The upper arm needs to be removed to remove the cap. The mirror has a 3" machined bolt through the bottom. I took the bolt out expecting the top assembly to lift out...It did not. I sprayed PB Blaster, still not moving. I put a punch into the hole and hit it with a hammer and it still won't move. Is there some kind of release ring keeping this thing attached. It appears like it should be simple, but it's not coming off easily. I would appreciate any assistance.
thanks, Steve

l1v3fr33ord1 · 10-04-2022, 08:01 PM

Steve-

PB Blaster
Sacrificial bolt inserted from below
Three-pound hammer
Apply repeatedly as needed until arm loosens
May take several days
Be ready to restrain the arm when it comes loose
Don't break the wires when you get the arm loose
Be ready to support the arm's weight
Be careful not to break or distort the threads or the aluminum arm
Be careful not to rip the mount off the coach
On reassembly, apply grease to tapered cup joint at base of arm to delay seizing

You can cut off the plastic cover, but to replace it you'll need to remove the arm. So, it's better not to cut it off.

Tightening the lag bolts may not help for very long. Through-bolting is better. It may be tough to reach inside the cap to put washers and nuts on the through-bolts. I wonder of the mounts were (lag-)bolted onto the cap before the cap was mounted to the front end.

Bets wishes... and be patient.

Scepter40 · 10-05-2022, 08:35 AM

When I pulled mine out, I left the bolt screwed in several threads and smacked the head with a 3lb sledge. Took I think two and the mirror came flying out. From there, I used a step ladder to rest it on so I could snake the electrical connector out and remove the mirror and arm completely. Cover comes off and the 4 bolts are exposed. On mine, the wood that held the bolts in place was rotted/loose from the inside of the cap. It's far enough up that I couldn't reach them to place them back on or put new ones in. So, I used 3M 5200 to bed the bolts in where the wood was hogged out (in the holes) and then also put a bead under the main bracket. Put it all in and tightened the bolts. After a short curing period, I re-tightened the bolts as best I could.

It still shakes a little bi going down the road, but not nearly as bad and I'm no longer worried about it falling off while driving.

Rob Mitch · 10-05-2022, 08:45 AM

I had the same problem inn my 2005 Camelot. I got the cover loose enough to estimate position of the lag screws. I drill holes in all four corners and was able to access lag screws with a socket. One at a time I drill thru the fiberglass and bolted all the way through. At hardware store I got plastic push in caps for the holes.

doanjax · 10-13-2022, 06:35 PM

Thanks folks, I managed to get back home without the mirror falling off. I got out my step ladder and sprayed PB Blaster all into the top crack. I waited 15 min and loosened the bottom bolt 2 full turns, left the socket and extension on the bolt and smacked it about 8 times and it came loose. all is good. will replace with thru bolts with lock washers. Thanks again for all the help on IRV2. what a great resource.