Dan,
That is crazy! Doing a little bit of digging over coffee I find similar posts about this “tissue rejection” phenomenon on other vehicles — it’s not just your Volvo being dramatic. The mirror button adhesive eventually wins a tug-of-war with the glass layers (especially on previously replaced windshields in hail/rock country). 😒
Here are a few similar cases from other forums where the mirror took a chunk of glass with it:
- Car Talk Community thread — almost identical situation with discussion on cleaning and repair options.
- ClubLexus thread — mirror detachment pulling a chunk; suggestions for grinding the shard and reattaching.
- r/MechanicAdvice on Reddit — chunk of glass missing after the mirror came off, with real-world fix ideas.
Most folks eventually go where you are and bite the bullet and replace the windshield for safety and peace of mind. A good glass shop can set the new mirror button properly with the right adhesive. In the meantime, if you’re temporarily re-gluing, some recommend moving the button slightly to fresh glass and using something like Permatex or JB Weld for better hold. 🤣😂
That sounds like a PITA and real hassle — Good luck exorcising it with a couple of handgun rounds! 😁
73,
Phillip Beall (W5EBC)