The purpose of a sun visor is to protect the eyes of the driver and passenger from the glare of the sun. Over time, a sun visor can become damaged or worn down and require replacement. You can replace a sun visor yourself when necessary by following a few easy-to-follow steps.
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a replacement sun visor
Before you replace your old sun visor, you need to find a replacement. When searching for a replacement, remember to keep in mind the make and model of your car so that you purchase the proper size of sun visor.
Step 1: Determine your budget. First, determine how much money you have to spend on a replacement sun visor.
You can find inexpensive sun visors online or at local retailers.
Ensure that you know the size of sun visor you need before shopping to make the process easier.
Step 2: Determine the type. When determining the type of sun visor you want, you can choose from a few options.
Sun visors are manually operated, requiring you to pull them down and put them up by hand. You can also shift most outward to block the sun coming in from either the driver's or passenger's side front windows.
Some sun visors have an extension that you can pull out to block even more of the sun to the side or in the space between the two visors over the rearview mirror.
Some sun visors also include a vanity mirror that, when opened, lights up.
Step 3: Determine the color. When selecting a replacement sun visor, also consider what color you prefer.
To ensure that you get the exact visor you need, consider purchasing the part from the manufacturer.
Vehicle owners need to keep in mind the size of sun visor that they need. This depends in large part on the make, model, and year of your vehicle. You can find information pertaining to a vehicle's make, model, and year inside the door jamb of the driver's side door, as well as on the vehicle's title and registration.
Part 2 of 3: Removing the sun visor
Material Needed
- Screwdriver (flathead and Philips head)
Once you buy the replacement sun visor, it is time to remove the old one. But take special care when removing the screws and make sure to place them where they won't get lost.
Step 1: Unhook the sun visor. Take the sun visor and pull it down.
Turn it to the side so that it is up against the window.
Step 2: Remove the main assembly cover. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the plastic cover off of the main assembly.
The main assembly is the area where the sun visor attaches to the ceiling of the vehicle.
Look for any tabs, and try not to break them when removing the cover. The number of tabs, if any, depends on the make and model of the vehicle.
Remove the plastic cover by inserting a flathead screwdriver into the slit running down from the top portion of the plastic cover surface. Wiggle the cover carefully until it comes loose, moving the sun visor around if necessary. This should expose the screws of the main assembly.
Step 3: Remove the screws from the main assembly. Depending on the type of screws, use either a flathead or Phillips head screwdriver to remove all of the screws holding the visor in place.
The number of screws typically range from two to four.
Step 4: Remove the visor. After removing all of the screws holding the visor in place, pull the visor out of the main assembly.
You might have to twist the visor slightly to clear any tabs that help hold the visor in place.
Part 3 of 3: Replacing the sun visor
Material Needed
- Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips head)
After removing the old visor, it is time to install the new one. Make sure you install it with any mirrors or warning labels facing toward the passenger's or driver's seat.
Step 1: Insert the visor stem. Take the replacement visor and insert the visor stem into the sun visor assembly.
For visor stems that have a tab, insert the tab into the placement hole. Then slide the rest of the visor stem into place.
Step 2: Insert the screws. Line up the screw holes of the assembly with the visor placement holes.
Insert the screws and tighten them down, using a flathead or Phillips head screwdriver, depending on the screw type.
Step 3: Replace the assembly cover. Snap the assembly cover back into place.
Replace it carefully to avoid cracking the cover. Also, make sure to fit all tabs back into their slots properly.
Test the sun visor to make sure it works properly and has a full range of motion.
Keeping your vehicle's sun visors in good repair means you can drive safer and in comfort by keeping the sun out of your and your passenger's eyes. If you do not feel confident to properly replace a sun visor yourself, seek the help of an expert mechanic to perform the task for you.
