How to Tighten the Rearview Mirror on a Subaru Forester

If the rearview mirror on your Subaru Forester shakes while you drive, it's likely that your rear visibility is hampered--not to mention that the mirror could fall off the windshield. The Forester's rearview mirror attaches to a metal button glued to the windshield, and it is held in place by a small set screw. If the set screw becomes loose, the mirror will shake due to the vibration of the vehicle. When this happens, the weight of the mirror and the shaking can cause the glue bond between the mirror mounting button and the windshield to weaken. Eventually the mirror will fall off. You can prevent this from happening by tightening the rearview mirror as soon as you notice it jiggling when you drive.

Things You'll Need

  • No. 8 Torx bit
  • Push the rearview mirror up on its swivel so the mirror glass faces the roof of the Forester. This improves your access to the set screw located at the base of the rearview mirror.

  • Place a No. 8 Torx bit into the set screw located on the base of the Forester's rearview mirror. The set screw has an eight point star embossed in the head of the screw. This type of screw is called a Torx screw; it requires a Torx bit screwdriver to tighten or loosen properly.

  • Turn the set screw clockwise until the base of the mirror tightens against the metal button glued onto the windshield. This prevents the mirror from shaking and moving.

  • Adjust the mirror so you can see what is immediately behind the Forester.