Folding mirrors

I have a 2008 Devon on a Mercedes Sprinter base.   The folding wing mirrors are very stiff and I feel If I hit any obstruction they will not fold in as designed to do. Can anyone advise as to how to make the mechanism "softer" please. I have tried silicon and vasceline to no effect.

They are somewhat stiff to fold away, we readily do so (to stop bird droppings) as van is kept in outside storage. I'd imagine that if they were more easily moveable, the likelihood would see them close towards the cab due to vibration and wind resistance. We have just suffered offside wing mirror damage despite 'Mirror Guards' that saved the integrity of the mirror to get us home. Now in the hands of insurance company to get losses from third party.

If they were "soft, they would vibrate when motoring. One thing to check is the swivel pins , top and bottom. They are ribbed, press fit and can drop with use, prising them back will improve folding and lack of vibrate in use.

Mine are very stiff as well but do fold in when on drive I use both hands to fold them, so you are not alone.

They are stiff but really important to keep them well greased, I use a waterproof marine grease. We were hit by Italian white van man in Austria recently and the mirror just folded exactly as it should, something it would not have done prior to greasing. Apart from scratching to the case no real damage but £1200 pounds of damage to the front wing and bumper!

On our hand over I commented on how stiff our mirrors were and we were told to spray them with CRC every couple of months. We do this and they keep them firm but not overly tight.

Cheers

What's CRC, please? Is that a silicone spray?

Yes, sorry about that.

It is a silicon/lubricant spray.

Must be a NZ thing. Didn't realize that it wasn't available in the UK.

Cheers

Thanks! Shall try that.
Cymro

Thanks, I have applied waterproof boat trailer hub grease and the mirrors are now easier to move. Perhaps time will tell.

I have used SAS8 Silicone Spray which I found to be very successful. 
I got it from the local camping spares shop to use on the Thetford toilet rubber blades and other rubber seals to stop them sticking
Liam

WD40 worked for me.