I need instruction on how to remove and replace the interior r/v mirror on a 1997 SC400

 

The small center mini sun visor has to be removed first. Take a small prying screwdriver and remove the small plastic panel that hides two screws holding it in. Remove that center visor. Now you will be able to disconnect the rear view mirror's LCD power wire connector under it.

Now you can remove the rear view mirror. There is Torx/star screw holding it in which is tipped from the factory with Loctite. BE CAREFUL WITH THE PRESSURE YOU APPLY TO THIS BOLT WHEN REMOVING IT! I don't have the TSRM torque load for it handy but it should not be tapped, banged or otherwise hit in order to loosen it. This can crack your windshield. Also, do not use a hex bit in order to remove it. You must use a Torx T30 (aka "star" type) bit to make a good connection without the risk of stripping it. I can't remember if it's a Torx T20, T25 or T30. Probably a T30. (This screw is confirmed to require a Torx T30 bit to remove and reinstall).

With that removed you can carefully, carefully remove the mirror.

The mirror is preloaded with a kind of spring that has little ball bearings on each side. These will very likely pop loose as you remove the mirror. I highly recommend that you purchase two new ball bearing bits and a new spring when reinstalling. Unless someone has previously added glue or some other non-OEM shadetree repair to the mirror before you the other parts should not require replacing. I do recommend you purchase a new OEM mirror securing bolt to replace the old one.

Getting the spring and ball bearings into position while reinstalling the mirror in place can be tricky. Never rush or do this in anger from frustration. It will go back together with the spring and bearings which are meant to absorb shock and vibration so as to protect the windshield.

I'm posting two older threads which discuss rearview mirror and windshield replacement below:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ml#post7572278
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...ml#post9335883


Also, here are the major replacement parts for ordering:

87817-24010 — x1 Mirror Inside Spacer (Metal inside suspension)
87825-24010 — x1 Mirror Inside Spring (Metal "U" Spring)
87808-24010 — x2 "Mirror Inside Holder" or "Holder Sub-Assy" (Ball Bearings in casings)
87853-24020C0 — x1 "Base" (Outside trim piece between mount and glass. Says to order by interior color)
90148-60018 — x1 Screw, Hex Lobular (Rearview mirror screw)

 

T30 sounds right, from memory. Don't be surprised if someone stripped it with a Phillips bit and/or used near-concrete adhesive on it previously.

Make sure you get a '96+ mirror if replacing the whole thing, otherwise you'll lose the auto-dimming circuitry. The older ones will plug right in, but lack that feature.

 

^^ Or an aftermarket Gentex mirror. FYI, OP, Gentex is the original supplier/designer of the OEM 97+ SC300/400 rearview auto-dimming mirrors but of course the original/factory ones are SC specific under Toyota/Lexus part numbers. Gentex's aftermarket mirrors have been installed in SC's as well but they have slightly different mounting and cost a lot up front.

 

Does anyone know where I can buy the tiny silver ball bearings that come with the springs pacer for interior Lexus mirror.
SC400 1996.

 

See my post above from 2018 with the part numbers for the ball bearings in plastic sleeves and all the other associated parts. You can order them from any Lexus dealer (or possibly any Toyota dealer if any of those parts cross-reference to any Toyota models). Online you can try MyLparts, Lexus of Pembroke Pines or McGeorge Toyota,