Homelink mirror mount
 

So, the homelink mirror in my BRZ "fell off". It started with a vibrating noise and then a loose mirror. I tried to tighten the screws but ended up stripping the mounting holes and the mirror couldnt stay up anymore.

After some searching I found that this is a common issue on port or dealer installed homelink mirrors on all subaru models. The problem is twofold, first the hardware securing the mirror base plate is not a good design and basically prone to failure. Second, since the screws self tap their threads into the base plate, the fault lies on the original installer who over tightened the screws and/or when the end user (me) tightens them further.

fortunately there is a solution by way of updated base plate hardware. The part is called "homelink mirror base plate" with part number H501SSA041. Most subaru dealerships have this on hand because this is a common problem.

here in this picture the left screw and mounting plate are the original parts and the right is the new parts.

http://i.imgur.com/S0Ye57A.jpg

You can see on the original parts the screw is tapered for some dumb reason, and the mounting plate has counter sunk holes. Put those 2 together and you have a recipe of screws backing themselves out. On the right you can see the screw is no longer tapered and the plate is not countersunk.

With the new hardware installed the mirror is secure again. Though its not completely wiggle free as the piece attached to the glass is some sort of rubber compound with some flex.

Total cost ~$10

(long post because I tried to cram as much info as I could because the existing information about this was spread over many threads and forums) :)

Not that $ 10.00 is a lot but it's a warranty problem and Subaru should fix for free, yes you would have to wait for service but it's free. It should not take more then an hour at best and that's taking your time.But to each it's own.

^ What he said. I told my service department about the mirror rattling and they told me that there was a TSB on it (I had no idea) and repaired it. No issues since then :)

Yup, I totally understand that this is clearly a warranty issue. But the fact that I don't trust dealer service techs is why I did this on my own, besides the fact that I don't like anyone working on my car but myself lol. I didnt feel like waiting an hour for this 5 min fix anyway :D

Out of curiousity do you know what the service bulletin number was? I called my dealer and they don't have a bulletin for it.