04 RX330, the right/passenger side mirror glass is broken. After researching the internet, I think the best cost-saving way is to remove the glass ONLY, and leave the black plastic intact, and put the new glass ONLY back. The purpose is to keep the functions of auto-dimming and heated. My question is - how to remove the glass without damaging to the black plastic part attached? Is there any liquid between the glass and the black plastic part? After removal, will silicone be the better adhesive than the traditional 3M patches for conducting heat, and might last longer? Thanks.

 

If you buy a replacement glass, it comes in the plastic "holder" and the whole thing snaps in. Similarly, the old one (glass and plastic together) snaps out.

 

are there parts behind the glass that should be lubed to keep the motors in top condition?

 

IIRC, the motors are not in the housing with the mirror (It's been a long time since I messed with one).

Here is a youtube video by some guy replacing a mirror glass. He has a hard time unplugging the wires, but it may be realistic.

 

Will the heated and auto-dimming functions work if it's "SILICONE" applied between old broken(not removed) and the new one?

 

If you "glue" a new mirror glass on top of the old one, MAYBE the heat will eventually transfer through the old glass and the glue. But I am pretty sure the dimming function will not work as the glass has to have an electric current applied to it that makes the molecules in the glass align to cause the dimming.

If you go to the website referenced in the video, they sell the mirror glass. They also say that the dimming will not work.