Anyone replace motors in Ford towing mirrors?

[Back2PA]

My towing mirrors have several motors not working (fold on both sides, retract/extend on one side). The shop that just did my transmission work was nice enough to swap the switch as a test, and still didn't work so it appears it's the mirror motors. I get a brief movement sometimes which tells me the motors may just be frozen from lack of use by previous owner.

Has anyone replaced the motors in these mirrors. Ford gets an insane amount of money for the whole assembly (about $700 I think) and even the knockoff runs $300). If they're available I'll bet the motors could be had for a fraction of buying the whole assembly, but it's not immediately obvious how one gets to these motors.

 

[RVRAC]

Have you tried on a junkyard?  Sometimes you can get some usable stuff at a good price.

 

[lynnmor]

Here is a more permanent fix:  https://www.gruvenparts.com/towing-mirror-gears-ford-trucks/

 

[Back2PA]

Here is a more permanent fix:  https://www.gruvenparts.com/towing-mirror-gears-ford-trucks/

Thanks for the excellent link. Too bad they don't include a video, the install is described as "challenging"

 

[Back2PA]

Have you tried on a junkyard?  Sometimes you can get some usable stuff at a good price.

No, haven't looked anywhere yet. I'd hate to put a used part on and find it didn't work, as it's a somewhat complicated install

 

[Isaac-1]

You might also try ebay, for used, pull off etc. towing mirrors.

 

[SpencerPJ]

They do have decent instructions https://www.gruvenparts.com/content/PDF/Ford%20TOW%20MIRROR%20DIY.pdf
If you break a glass, they are replaceable as well.