basically was doing a bit of cleaning inside the car and couldn't get behind the rear view mirror that well. pushed it as far round as it would go and it popped out of its ball socket. fine i thought until it came to light that i can't get it back on again... found out that the whole thing would have come off as one if i twisted the socket base from the windscreen so now i have a rear mirror and its ball socket. have used some force to get the two together but its just not happening! i realise the ball is bigger than the socket to prevent it falling out easily. is there an art to this? any tips/help would be appreciated before my dad gets back on thursday

There's a circlip on the back of the mirror. You need to take that off and put it over the ball. Then put the ball in the mirror and re insert the circlip.

You may find that you have discovered (unwittingly) how to remove it.

Some are eliptical (ovalish) so they can only be removed by holding it in a certain position to pop it in. Try and remember where the mirror was positioned when it came out. Place it back in that position and give it a push.

May help to wipe a little oil on the joint.

There's a circlip on the back of the mirror. You need to take that off and put it over the ball. Then put the ball in the mirror and re insert the circlip.

Agree with this, however I had a hell of a job getting the clip back on.

Agree with this, however I had a hell of a job getting the clip back on.

Shouldn't be too dificult with the mount off the windscreen and using needle nose pliers to squeeze the clip.

There's a circlip on the back of the mirror. You need to take that off and put it over the ball. Then put the ball in the mirror and re insert the circlip.

Agree with this, however I had a hell of a job getting the clip back on.

both absolutely spot on