Posted: 11 October 2015 10:26 AM Subject: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Just joined
Posts: 7
Location: West Yorkshirej
Hi,
I have a problem, particularly when driving in windy conditions and above 60 mph, with the wing mirrors having a tendency to be moved inwards, gradually.
Does anyone know if the stiffness of the mirrors can be adjusted and if so, how?
If not, has anyone else had this problem and overcome it in any other way?
I cannot see any way into the workings.
Replies would be appreciated. Thanks.
Posted: 12 October 2015 7:36 AM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Location: MODERATOR - 2015 Rapido 640F LHD 2.3ltr 150bhp
I understand that your motorhome is a 2007 Bessacarr E540.
The mirrors used on 2006-onwards Ducatos are large and, when they are the ‘long-arm’ type fitted to most coachbuilt motorhomes, there will be significant air-pressure pushing against them when the vehicle is being driven quickly.
Posted: 13 October 2015 8:23 AM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Location: MODERATOR - 2015 Rapido 640F LHD 2.3ltr 150bhp
The mirror is well forward on the front edge of the door and, when ‘long arm’ mirrors are fitted, the main assembly is well clear of the door’s surface. Although coachbuilt motorhomes do differ in design above and behind the cab section, the location of the Ducato’s mirror on the cab-door makes it highly unlikely that aerodynamic effects due to body design can have any impact on the mirrors themselves. Due to the increased leverage, ‘long arm’ Ducato mirrors could be expected to be more prone to hinging back under wind pressure than Ducato mirrors with shorter arms, but I don’t think that’s the type of aerodynamic effect you had in mind.
Regarding adjustability of the mirror’s pivot, this 2015 MotorHomeFun discussion
seems to conflict with the advice given by “rugbyken’ in the MHFacts link I provided above.
The Facts and Fun threads are not the only on-line complaints about this, so the problem is clearly not that uncommon.
I don’t know if Fiat will have altered the pivot-mechanism at any stage in the Ducato X250/X290’s life since its introduction in 2006 (I doubt it). All I can suggest is that Veligandu carefully removes one of the mirror trim-pieces, inspects the mechanism and then decides on the best way forward.
Realistically, replacement under warranty won't be practicable with a 2007 vehicle, but it should be possible to increase the resistance to movement at the pivot point. As long as there’s no requirement to regularly fold the mirrors, ‘injecting’ a strong adhesive/filler (eg. a Sika or Henkel product) into the lower pivot ought to prevent the mirrors folding at speed. The potential drawbacks of (essentially) converting a folding mirror into a fixed mirror should be obvious, but I’d rather have a fixed mirror than one that spontaneously folds at speed.
Posted: 13 October 2015 10:14 AM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Epic contributor
Posts: 1240 Location: Fife, Eura Mobil Profila T720EB
Derek Uzzell - 2015-10-13 8:23 AM
The potential drawbacks of (essentially) converting a folding mirror into a fixed mirror should be obvious, but I’d rather have a fixed mirror than one that spontaneously folds at speed.
I wouldn't ever recommend converting a folding mirror to fixed because the fold is a safety feature, particulary where impacts with pedestrians are concerned.
Posted: 14 October 2015 7:11 AM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Location: MODERATOR - 2015 Rapido 640F LHD 2.3ltr 150bhp
My 2015 Ducato’s mirrors also have a similar cover to that shown in Willy Wonka’s photo.
If Veligandu removes the cover (which looks straightforward to do) and - following WW’s advice - manages to cure the problem, a follow-up posting would be appreciated.
Posted: 19 October 2015 7:52 PM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Just joined
Posts: 7
Location: West Yorkshirej
Many thanks for the replies. Unfortuately, there are conflicting reviews both here and elsewhere as to whether the mirrors are adjustable or not. I was unable to easily remove the plastic cover underneath the arm and have no wish to damage it in the process.
I have put a plastic wedge into the gap between the arm and the base and hope this may work.
Thanks
Posted: 2 December 2017 2:51 PM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Just joined
Posts: 11
Location: Dorset
I have just had the same problem on a 2008 Ducato.
Having removed the plastic cover, the locking washer was found split and hanging and I assume this is what gives tension to the arm.
If I can find a locking washer that is about 23mm inside dia, then I assume it means accessing the wiring from inside the door, removing I assume a connector and refitting the washer over the bar on the mirror and replacing everything.
Has anyone done this (probably difficult to obtain a washer), but I will try AHC in Camberley, when next there.
Currently I have to drive under 55 mph to stop them moving.
Posted: 2 December 2017 3:55 PM Subject: RE: Fiat Ducato wing mirrors
Location: MODERATOR - 2015 Rapido 640F LHD 2.3ltr 150bhp
(I’ve moved this thread from Hints & Tips as chrisfree’s immediately-preceding posting contains much more detail than his other same-title enquiry that he posted to this forum.)
