Richardtr3a Posted November 18, 2023 Report Share Posted November 18, 2023 My Passat has a light in the wing mirror on the LHS. I need to take it out and fit a new one. The existing has two small screws which hold it in place. They are rusted up and the Torx screwdriver will not turn them. I need some help from the forum Please Richard & B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 19, 2023 Report Share Posted November 19, 2023 Hi Richard, does the Torx driver not work because they are too tight or they have been mangled? If too tight -0 start of with a decent penetrating fluid - PlusGas, FreeWay etc NOT WD40 If they still do not turn then you may need to resort to drilling the heads off - but they may cause chaos when you get it off and see what further work is required. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted November 19, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2023 Thanks for the reply. The screws have rusted so that the Torx driver has no grip at all. There is np room for any pliers etc. I can get the drill in on one side but the second screw is hard to reach. I could destroy the light fitting but that might cause more damage. If I am successful where can I buy two small screws that would fit into the new plastic indicator light ? Is there a VW forum ?? Richard & B. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted November 19, 2023 Report Share Posted November 19, 2023 Google is your friend [sometimes] Richard- they have a 'how to' for changing the bulb : https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php/11-Passat Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted November 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2023 Thanks for the reply. I will be out in the garage this afternoon when the weathers more friendly. Where can I buy two small screws ?? Richard & B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
keith1948 Posted November 20, 2023 Report Share Posted November 20, 2023 Hi Richard One for the future- for years whenever I have recycled old electrical items I have stripped them down and saved potentially useful items including small screws, brackets etc. I now have a varied assortment of small screws and can usually find some that will do the job. You might struggle to buy just 2 screws and will probably end up with a pack of 100 such is modern life. Your VW dealer might be able to help. In your case I would follow Rogers suggestion of a decent penetrating oil over a couple of days. Then if the screws are dome head see if you can cut a slot with a junior hacksaw blade in the head and you then could maybe get a penknife blade in the slot and turn it. Without a photo not sure if you could do this. Alternatively a soldering iron on the screw head to heat it up a fraction might loosen it. Take care not to get it so hot you melt the plastic bits. Good luck Keith Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Richardtr3a Posted November 20, 2023 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2023 The inside of the wing mirror is small and it is almost impossible to use any tools other than a Screwdriver. I will try with some small pliers next and I have put some penetrating oil and will be out there in a day or two. If it gets colder I will have to wait until the MOT which is due at the end of January. But I don't want to waste Christmas worrying about the VW. Thanks for the help so far Richard & B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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