DIY: Roof Rack Delete (w/ pics)

I just completed the 'delete'.

ok, so i have a question

A little concerned that the black plastic covers aren't more flush with the black rubber. Seems like water will get in there for sure and pool. I, of course, used silicone to seal the screw holes, etc. so, maybe its a non-issue and the plastic covers just prevent exposure and debris from getting in. Can someone reassure me? I'm a little concerned because the truck sits outside everyday - no garage.

I can't change your mind for you. But I can say that I've had mine installed just about 2.5 years and I park outside in the driveway - all without issue so far.
 
Did mine yesterday. It's better than it was but not sure if I like it. uploadfromtaptalk1445041326650.jpg
 

Attachments

  • uploadfromtaptalk1445041326650.jpg
    uploadfromtaptalk1445041326650.jpg
    135.2 KB · Views: 11,994
Did this and mine leaked pretty bad. Went back and applied some GE window silicone. Worked like a champ. Love it.
 
New member here. Used your thread to remove mine and replaced with the K9 2.2 rack. Thanks for taking the time to post this. Discovering so much information on this site!
 
ManhstuhT4R;

If anyone's looking to do this mod,I have all the bolts and plastic trims stated in the first post for sale. Let me know!
1. Do you still have the parts for sale?
2. I actually want to put a canoe rack on my car and the stock rack is too short. Does anyone have any ideas? I thought maybe some kind of Yakima/Thule or other rack with 78 inch cross bars spread as far apart as possible.
 
Neither Yakima nor Thule makes anything that will clamp on to the 4 Runner so that you can spread your cross bars apart to carry a longer canoe/kayak properly. Their racks will only clamp onto your stock rack rails, with about 3 feet of cross bar spread. For this very reason, I put a Gobi rack on my 4 Runner. Gives me 6 feet of space between bars. Expensive solution, but I paddle nearly every day and take my boats on the highway in the winter.
 

Attachments

  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    135 KB · Views: 3,959
got my parts ordered today.

They wanted +$90:faint2: for all the parts. thanks goodness an old buddy i know from the old car club walked in and worked there.

Got the price down to $63 which is the amount of credit I had left over with the parts department. :becky:
 
Thanks for the writeup W8kbrder. Found this thread a while ago and every time I wash and polish I hate the rails.

If anyone is looking for the parts, I just ordered a kit from eBay. Good price, too. Not sure if I can link eBay stuff here so just do a search for:

04-16 4RUNNER / 06-16 RAV4 ROOF RACK REMOVAL DELETE KIT
 
Did you notice maybe a 1mpg increase after removing your rack? Just curious. Oh, and thanks for doing the best write up + pics job ever!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I know this has been discussed in a few threads but I figured I would do a more detailed write-up for those that have never ventured down that path. So rather than some vague descriptions, here are the detailed steps on removing the 5th Generation Roof Rack. I had more detailed pictures to include throughout this thread, but it said I was limited to only 11 pictures. I originally had 18. Either way, hope it helps those with the questions.

1.) Order your parts: The following parts will be needed to accomplish the roof rack delete. You will need the following:

8pcs - Part# 90119-08C47 (roof bolts w/ rubber washers)
4pcs - Part# 63185-42020 (roof brackets w/ foam pads - TE already have this under the installed roof rack)
4pcs - Part# 75596-35030 (roof plastic covers)
A
RoofRack2.jpg~original


2.) Plastic Cover Removal: You will notice by the picture that there are two tabs holding the cover in place. These tabs face outward away from the car. On the front covers, the tabs are 3" and 7" measuring from front corner of the cover to the back of the cover. First tab at 3" ....2nd tab at 7". (see picture - You can start with either side first. I started with the driver side).

RoofRack13.jpg~original


3.) Cover Removal: All you need is a flathead screwdriver and a soft rag to pop these off. Carefully wedge the tip of the flathead between the cover and the rubber gasket that it sits on.


Put a rag over the car and slowly pry up the plastic cover.....you will hear it pop when the first tab is free. Move to the 7" mark and pry up/out the 2nd tab until you hear the pop sound. Once both tabs have been released, rotate the plastic cover back towards the roof of the car. This will expose the two bolts holding the roof rack in place.

RoofRack5.jpg~original


RoofRack6.jpg~original


4.) Use a Metric size 12 socket and unbolt the two bolts found under the cover. These are very tight at first and tough to turn as the factory put a type of red threadlocker on the bolt threads. Slowly loosen these and remove the two bolts under the front cover, and under the rear cover.

RoofRack7.jpg~original


This is the difference between the stock bolt (long/silver) and the roof rack delete bolts (black).

RoofRack8.jpg~original


5.) Remove entire driver's side roof rack. Once removed you will see this:

RoofRack9.jpg~original


There will be some bits and pieces of sticky black foam. I used a rag and wiped around the area...just to make sure it was free of any debris. This is important as once you replace this empty hole with the new brackets, a new seal will be made. The black metal brakets have a foam pad at the bottom of each end to prevent any water from entering into the screw holes.

*Note: You might want to put a bit of silicone around the base of these white tubes...just for good measure. The bracket foam pads paired with the rubber washers should do a good job of keeping any water out, but a little extra wouldn't hurt.

6.) Metal Brackets: Now its time to place the new metal brackets in their place. You will notice a little "arrow" imprinted in the bracket. I kept the arrow pointing outward toward the outside of the car. Now anyone can correct me on this as I do not have the repair/service manual, but I believe the arrows should point outward away from the car as this was the position that seemed to fit best.

RoofRack18.jpg~original


RoofRack16.jpg~original


7.) Install new Bolts: Once you have the new metal brackets in place, its now time to install the new bolts. I used a bit of blue medium strenght threadlocker on the end of each bolt to make sure it does not come loose. At the same time it should prevent any moisture from entering through the threads. Some people use build-a-gasket or teflon paste. Your choice. But the combination of the foam pads on the metal brackets and the rubber around the new bolt washer should prevent any water from entering. Use a metric size 11 socket to tighten these bolts in place (These bolt heads are a bit smaller than the stock silver ones. I can't remember the exact size...I'm pretty sure its metric size 11..... its one or two sizes smaller than the stock bolt). I'm not sure how tight they have to be, but usually my motto of "Tight is tight enough" should suffice.

RoofRack10.jpg~original


8.) Install Plastic Clip/Covers: Finally, install the plastic covers. These have arrows molded into them as well. Again, not sure exactly which direction they should go, but I installed them with the side arrow pointing outward away from the car. They seem to fit perfect that way.

THATS IT! Your done. Drink a beer and enjoy the clean look of the rackless 4Runner. :trophy:


Awesome post! Needed to remove rails yesterday and this was a big help. Measurements are perfect and I didn't break anything. Thanks.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,316
Messages
3,554,120
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top