Ok so my DS visor is broken and decided to find out where the weak point is. Obviously it is made of cheap plastic, but there is more. When the visor reaches a certain temp., the lubrication on the metal bar used to rotate the clamp softens. When the metal part cools back down, so does the lube (hardens). That is why when the next time you go to use your visor, you hear the POP. That is the metal piece not being able to swivel like it used to, and thus the 2 pieces of visor are split apart. All I did is remove part of the metal and loosen it.

1.) Unscrew the two screws holding the visor into the roof.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0624.jpg

2.) Disconnect the power source for the vanity lights

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0625.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0627.jpg

3.) Pry open the visor, like I said it is made of cheap plastic and comes right apart.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0628.jpg

4.) Identify where the weak spot occurred (the thin pieces of plastic all mangled up everywhere). Also, the metal piece which froze up.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0629.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0633.jpg

5.) Use a flathead screwdriver to pry off the black metal piece on the big metal part. This is what is clamping the swivel to the visor, not allowing it to move which ripped open the visor.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0635.jpg

6.) After:

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u257/joeltross/DSCN0637.jpg

7.) Wiggle the final metal part for awhile, using a flathead to loosen the grasp on the visor. You can feel at first it doesn't move. But after some forceful twisting it will start to move again. Lube it up and DO NOT put that black metal piece back on.

8.) Put visor back together and use Gorilla Glue to seal the edges as Mazda decided to make the mirrors a one-time use product.

EDIT: Because Gorilla Glue expands when drying (and its an ugly orange), use super glue to glue the visible parts of the visor. ie: the warning label front and sides.

9.) Re-install in the reverse order but make sure it will swivel easily before screwing it back in. If it doesn't work for you, just shell out the $70 for a new one.

Suggestions?

Great write-up! I just had both of mine replaced under warranty last week. Luckily I got it done just as the warranty had ended (47,900k). Next time this happens to me, I'll be sure to use this!

My driver side sunvisor is split and my passenger side one is split all the way in half, it falls down on every rock on the road, Ill be doing my passenger side one within the next few days......ill let you know how it goes, Thanks

...IT WORKED GREAT...im very impressed.Thanks for the great write up :) 8 bux is better than 70:spank:

Great DIY, one comment only: My visor was only split near the left corner, so I didn't have to take it apart, just kind of pulled out the hinge and the metal part came out, still connected via the vanity light wire. I removed the black metal part, loosened it up as per your instructions, and slid it back in. Ended up not having to glue the whole thing together, just the corner. Thanks!

Yeah one problem I noticed was that one time I jerked down the visor because I was momentarily blinded by the sun, and the POP happened. You have to be really really careful when bringing down your shade. Unless there's a way to clamp the rear part permanently... I still haven't nailed this DIY down yet... comments appreciated

an answer to my prayers LOL. Mine split two days ago LOL

it worked great thnx

great DIY and perfect timing. mine broke a couple weeks ago and i just stumbled upon this thread. i'll have to try this out over the long weekend.

Guys, without that black metal clip there is nothing to keep the tension on the swivel. The more you use your visors, the more loose it will get, and eventually it won't stay up anymore.

Instead of removing the black clip altogether, you might want to try bending it so it doesn't clamp so tightly.

Have you TRIED bending it?

Your step by step instructions for repairing the sun visor were terrific! I didn't have to split the entire visor open. I was able to just pull out the metal piece from the corner and then reassemble.

A few drops of Krazy glue and a tight gripping clamp finished off the job nicely. The visor moves more smoothly now than when it was new!

And to block those blasted little holes, I cut two pieces of plastic from a cheap report cover to fit in each of the two sections. The plastic still allows some visibility, but acts like an added pair of sunglasses.

Thanks again!

Now today I noticed condensation inside my tail light! And this car, though now 4 years old has only 23,000 miles and is always garage kept! I love my RX-8, but this cheap stuff really stinks!

Thanks for all the great information. Seems like this is not an isolated case. Are there any TSB's out there for this per chance?

That condensation thing pisses me off too!!

yes, there needs to be a recall as this is very dangerous when all of a sudden your vision is block while driving!

This worked perfectly. My visor works great now, no more wife complaining about visor in face!

Great DIY, did this in september when I bought the car and didn't realize the passenger visor was all mangled. This saved me the $100 for a new visor!

This fix is a life-saver.. replacement visors have gone up to $150 from Mazda.

did it last nite and it worked out great.....why wouldnt you save yourself some money:lol2:

good thing i found this post cause my visior broke and i was just about get mazada to fix it, u just saved me money thanks

Just repaired my driver's side using this DIY. I also only had to pry up the corner. That black spring piece was a b!tch. When I finally pryed it off, it shot across the room like a bullet and could have easily "put an eye out". My driver side visor lasted 5-1/2 years (84,000 miles). Passenger side is still in good shape from what I can tell.

wow, i never knew you wrote this up Ross :cool:

My passenger side just crapped out and now i'm gonna do this. Good lookin' out brah :smoker:

Guys, without that black metal clip there is nothing to keep the tension on the swivel. The more you use your visors, the more loose it will get, and eventually it won't stay up anymore.

Instead of removing the black clip altogether, you might want to try bending it so it doesn't clamp so tightly.

I removed the black clip and am already getting a little "slop" like the visor doesn't snap back into place against the headliner like it used to. But that's okay, I refuse to pay $125 for a new one. Not happening...:nono:

I removed the black clip and am already getting a little "slop" like the visor doesn't snap back into place against the headliner like it used to. But that's okay, I refuse to pay $125 for a new one. Not happening...:nono:

Yeah I knew it would happen eventually... like I said the DIY is open to suggestions lol

I just fixed mine! My passenger side sunvisor kept falling down-EVERY time I hit a bump. It really aggravated my friend that had it falling in her face! I just got done messing with it. I had a hard time sealing it completely at the area of the original break. I put it on and now it stays! It doesn't seem to be "snapping" into place like the driver's side, (hugging the headliner), but it's staying up and not falling! Well worth the effort!
Thanks!!!:rock:

Hey all, just wanted to give you a quick fix when you dont have current time to fix this using the above visor repair trick. I used a xl binder clip (the one that looks like a black triangle tube and you open with the 2 silver handles.)

Remove the visor as indicated in the first post.

Realign the joint and the visor to the "closed position"

Place the xl binder clip right over the swivel joint and it should keep the bad boy in place and the visor remains functional.

i know its ugly, but it beats having to keep putting it back up after hitting the smallest bump in the road till you can get a chance to perm fix it.

Also as an additional tip, i kept the binder clip after using the repair trick above as a clamp to keep everything nice a tight while the glue hardened. To date i haven't removed the binder clip because it offers additional strength.

I'm visorless as of now the weather is too hot in TX....LOL

Where can you buy new visors? We threw ours away they were beyond fixable. The dealer wants like 250. a piece for them anyone know where you can them cheaper??

Where can you buy new visors? We threw ours away they were beyond fixable. The dealer wants like 250. a piece for them anyone know where you can them cheaper??

Ebay lists them @ 119/piece. So if you fix it yourself, you should save a packet..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda-RX-8-RX8-Sun-Visor---Left-Driver-Side_W0QQitemZ230369122637QQcmdZViewItem



cheers,
Mohan

Ebay lists them @ 119/piece. So if you fix it yourself, you should save a packet..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda-RX-8-RX8-Sun-Visor---Left-Driver-Side_W0QQitemZ230369122637QQcmdZViewItem



cheers,
Mohan

mines is in the trash !! We have been riding with no visors.

I believe the new visors that you buy from Mazda are an "updated design". Maybe they have fixed the problem, maybe not :dunno: Anybody want to chime in that has had their visors replaced in the last couple months?

When I got my new '8 in early 2007, the driver's side visor failed by mid-summer that year. I brought it in and as soon as I walked up to the service counter, the guy took one look at the visor and said "you must have an RX8". They replaced it and it has been perfect ever since. So, either I've been lucky with the replacement, or I have the "new design".

When i went to the dealer they had the 04 visor for $250 or you could get the 07 visor for $75 the only difference is the airbag label.....

One thing i did, which was even easier was to drill a small hole for an 8-32 screw (≈3/4 in) just below the metal bracket. Then with two washers on the screw, i just tightened it to squeeze the visor tight. This repair was to stop the visor from not being tight enough to stay up against the window, and, although the screw is visible, it's not very noticeable. If anyone needs a picture of where the screw is, just let me know.
-wayne

They have Gorilla glue available in white now its less obvious and suppose to dry faster too. If you have any excess glue you can just shave it off with a razor-blade.

Great DIY ive been running with my fully functioning visors for 2 weeks now :icon_tup: thanks!

thanks for the fix! that metal clip inside was a major PITA... i'm using the binder clip to clamp it while the super glue dries. i love this club!

Ok... this finally convinced me to register.

My passenger visor broke in the last few months of 2008. I left it off for quite a while, but my passengers always were complaining about sun in their eyes. So, early spring I set out to fix it.

Oddly enough, the spring loaded arm wasn't seized. It seems that the plastic was just shredded inside the visor, and was almost jamming the arm.

I fixed the visor a little differently than the DIY says. I didn't have to remove the spring, and my visor still snaps and stays up. Plus, I didn't take the whole visor apart. I just worked in the crack in the corner where the arm is.

If you can, spread the crack far enough to get the arm out. Once done, remove any little plastic pieces in the crack and on the arm. Try to get as many out as possible, even if it means cutting them out. They're pretty much worthless. Once you've done that, replace the arm. With the visor sitting on a solid surface, press down fairly hard where the arm is and try moving the arm in and out of the "snap" point. If you're pressing hard enough, the visor shouldn't separate when entering/leaving the snap point. If you are incapable of moving the arm, try the opposite direction before doing the original DIY.

In my case, I got the arm to enter/leave the snap point. I didn't really like the grease so I added a little bike chain oil to the arm without removing the grease.

To glue the crack together, I used some 5 minute epoxy gel with a 2000PSI rating ((blue and clear conjoined dual plunger dispenser)). Mix it up, apply inside to/around a plastic alignment pin that's a little deeper than the arm's slot, and along the edges. Make sure to NOT glue your arm in one place. And be sure to glue as much as possible without gluing the arm. I tried to get glue as far down the crack as possible, and to throw on as thick of a coating as possible. ((I think I put about half of the epoxy in the visor))

***Let the epoxy set up (24 hours) before trying to move the arm.***
**Any less time may break the bond with the visor before it's at its strongest.**

The only other thing I can think of is that I used one of those large triangle clip things to hold the visor together during curing. I decided to leave it on, after removing the handles, as additional support. So far the visor has held, and it works as well as original.

Angel

Mine just broke.....found this...total fix time 20 min.....minus the overnight to make sure the glue dries. great write up....and thanks for your infinite visor wisdom

Thanks for the posts! mine broke out of nowhere, my girlfriend was just sitting there and it flew down. I will try these tomorrow, my temp fix was to just clean it out and not use it anymore. its stuck up right now but doesn't hug the roof.

Mine broke too. I just picked it up at the dealer this morning. Cost me $238 for a piece of holy plastic. Thanks Mazda. I told the dealer it looks like Mazda did a cost savings here and went all plastic. To try and make me feel better he said they replaced one visior on a Nissan last week and it cost $465. My extended warranty is not in their computer database so that is really helpful. So now I will not use a window shade and the windows will be lowered down some. They were when the visor failed too. Mine is an 04 with 22,000 on it. Nice thanks Mazda.

Our '04 visors broke on both sides. I removed the black clip without seprating the visor in half, drilled a 1/4 inch hole through the visor right at the corner where it split. I put in a cosmetically attractive pan head phillips machine screw and tightened it down with a thin nut and SAE washwer on the back side. Painted the screw to match the interior. Looks like it came from the factory if you didn't know better. No glue to fuss with and I can go back in later if required without prying it apart.

Our '04 visors broke on both sides. I removed the black clip without seprating the visor in half, drilled a 1/4 inch hole through the visor right at the corner where it split. I put in a cosmetically attractive pan head phillips machine screw and tightened it down with a thin nut and SAE washwer on the back side. Painted the screw to match the interior. Looks like it came from the factory if you didn't know better. No glue to fuss with and I can go back in later if required without prying it apart.

It turns out I did have to go back in and lube the shaft and replace the metal clip. The clip is there to hold the visor tight at different positions. At least I didn't have to pry it apart due to the glue.

thanks for that article on repairing the rx-8 sun visor. I have a 2005 I just bought. Right away that split in two. I feel sure the seller "rigged" it previously, but thanks to your repair guide, I was able to fix it, but of course I am a Chick.

Thanks again.

finally got around to the whole fix, letting glue set overnight. hopefully it holds up. i live in arizona so it gets hotttttt

"spread the crack far enough to get the arm out." Ive seen this on Redtube. :)

"spread the crack far enough to get the arm out." Ive seen this on Redtube. :)

That's pretty horrific... I like it.

Great DIY, one comment only: My visor was only split near the left corner, so I didn't have to take it apart, just kind of pulled out the hinge and the metal part came out, still connected via the vanity light wire. I removed the black metal part, loosened it up as per your instructions, and slid it back in. Ended up not having to glue the whole thing together, just the corner. Thanks!

dangit i could have done that too wish i would have read your comment

It turns out I did have to go back in and lube the shaft and replace the metal clip. The clip is there to hold the visor tight at different positions. At least I didn't have to pry it apart due to the glue.

it usually helps to lube the shaft:wink2:

funny thing is as soon as i red this... mine broke. fixed it thanks to the starter guy.

One thing i did, which was even easier was to drill a small hole for an 8-32 screw (≈3/4 in) just below the metal bracket. Then with two washers on the screw, i just tightened it to squeeze the visor tight. This repair was to stop the visor from not being tight enough to stay up against the window, and, although the screw is visible, it's not very noticeable.After almost seven years, my driver's side visor split too.
This is exactly how I fixed mine... one bolt, one nut and it keeps the visor nice and tight together again. Will see how long this solution lasts, but it looks OK and not very noticeable.

I have removed my entire visor and am going to try and fix myself. the only thing is the circular shaped tabs that are supposed to go round the metal bit (with the silly black bit) are all mashed up. will I still be able to fix this???? Mines is a 56 plate PZ.......bought 3 months ago with 3 years extended warranty - will I be covered??????:crying:

Worked!
Thanks

thanks this was very helpful

I repaired my driver's side visor as well using two part epoxy - I didn't remove the black clip on the swing arm because I didn't want the visor flopping around like crazy or hanging loosely. Just did it last night, so havent moved the visor much but so far, so good. This will work for now until I buy a new visor. I used the edge of my bed to keep the visor compressed while the epoxy was curing :-)

FYI there's a website out there that you can buy the visor for just over $60, brand new. *autopartscheaper dot com* This whole situation sucks pretty bad though - I use a sun shade for the windshield and of course the visors hold that in place, so I'm constantly swinging them up and down... Don't care about regular sun glare, got a pair of Maui Jim's for that 8-)

MY DS broke today.... Will give this a try....

FYI there's a website out there that you can buy the visor for just over $60, brand new. *autopartscheaper dot com*Yeah I just ordered one for $49.00... $61.00 including tax and shipping.

I had the driver side sun visor fixed under the warranty. They replaced it with a new one.

OK. Its June 1st. I ordered my sun visor on May 29th. My visor is now replaced. Very happy with the fast delivery from autopartscheaper dot com*

tried the fix the first time and it worked for about 3 days. the super glue i used wasnt strong enough.

im using gorilla glue on it now so that should do the trick. good write up

Supposedly this is covered under warranty, and while I'm still covered for another 6-7k, it's unlikely it'll be covered since my dealership refused 5-6 claims already (which clearly the rest of the world has no problems with).

Anyways I took my visor apart tonight and I don't think the clip is the problem at all. It's the broken plastic retainer rings that distribute the load.

The clip doesn't rotate easily at all and it's all to do with rocket surgery.... well you know, all that leverage/fulcrum stuff.

With the broken retainer rings made of cheap plastic, the load is focused to a smaller area which then acts like a pry bar. I'm going to use the recommendation of the gorilla glue, but I'm also going to try distribute the load properly by carving out some of the crappy plastic and building a retainer out of some thin metal or perhaps wood (since it'd be easier to shape/drill/work with).

I'm going to bondo each side individually in order to mould the pivot point (see attached pic) and hopefully this helps distribute the torque a bit better.

Should be able to sand it down and smooth it out and lube it right up, then of course gorilla glue it all back together.

I'll let ya know how it turns out and how long it lasts.

This was super helpful Thanks to who created this

my passenger side one just broke, havent glued it back together yet, but took the visor apart slightly enough to get out the swivel joint, took tht black piece off and loosened the metal piece and little and it works like a charm, just gotta go buy some gorilla glue tonight.
great cheap fix, thank you!

Great DIY Ross Dawg! I kept the metal clip in mine though but found the perfect glue for the job called LiquidNails specifically for metal/plastic surfaces and it will hold up to 300º and won't swell or change nasty colors.

Good DIY

i just ordered my DS visor will try this when it comes in the next couple of days

LOL, someone buy this a pizza :wiggle:

I removed the black clip. Pried the black clip open a bit. Cleaned off the factory lubricant and applied my own. Resealed the visor and it works great.

I wish I would had found this before I shortted my car.. yes I CUT the wires cause a short and well the dealer charged me an arm and a leg to fix the car. like $250 or so rip off...

just fixed mine today. slight gap between the mounting pivot point, but that's where the heat warped/melted anyways but overall clean fix no one will really notice it. and I saved some extra cash for gas etc. instead of buying used/new random joe or dealer. thanks OP.

Thank you for this diy kind sir.