How to install roof rack crossbars

[x67934]

I ordered the factory cross bars for my 2010 4Runner Toyota Part number
PT278-89100 cost $140 after tax 150.85 shipped over night to my dealer.

In order to install the bars they must slide in from the rear which requires the plastic end caps be removed.

The part is supposed to come with a nylon removal tool, which mine did not however a putty knife or small pry bar works I put tape on mine to prevent any scratches.

Push down and inward on the End cap and pry up on the outside where the small plastic tabs are.

After the tabs are off the outside edge push the endcap up and inward to rock the inside tabs off.

Once removed you can see how they are attached.

After removing both end caps simply slide the cross bars in from the back. I did not tighten the screws which attach the bar until after I had slide them forward to allow a little play while installing them.

Finished product.

Please be careful the end caps are very fragile and the tabs seem fragile ensure you do not force anything and break your caps.

 

[war07eagle]

first real fifth gen writeup, way to go

 

[harper7]

Great write-up!
I had mine off too but did'nt have the patience or time to document it.
Thank You!

 

[ciaz]

Great writeup. Did you notice that the bars were different lengths? I ordered some from a Toyota dealership nearby, and they didn't come with directions. I had to go back and have them print out the install documentation. Finally, I noticed that the installation docs stated that there are supposed to be a long and a short cross bar. I promptly returned them after finding that I had two of the same size. The guy there seemed clueless, so I re-ordered them from the dealership I bought my 4runner from. Looks like I'm going to get them at their cost.

 

[x67934]

I did not notice that they were different lengths, but they are clearly labeled which side is which and which is front verse rear.

 

[ckon]

Crossbar length

I just removed my crossbars today and they are the same length. I think the instructions you received were for a different model.

 

[M1911]

The end caps are also expensive, so do be careful with them. I had to replace one on my 4th gen, and IIRC, it cost around $90 for one.

 

[ciaz]

I just removed my crossbars today and they are the same length. I think the instructions you received were for a different model.

I'm having trouble getting off the endcaps. How exactly do you pry it off?

 

[ckon]

I'm having trouble getting off the endcaps. How exactly do you pry it off?

Standing beside the car, reach over the cap and pull it toward you. This will create a tiny bit of slack that greatly helps the "latches" release as you pry the side closest to you toward yourself and up. There are two latches on the side toward you and two on the inner side.

Once the outside latches release, flip the cap toward the center of the truck in a rolling motion. You'll feel a little resistance, but the inner latches should easily release.

Pulling the cap towards you makes it so the latches release fairly easily, so try not to use too much force - it can get expensive.

 

[ciaz]

Got it. Thanks a lot. What are the 2 included rubber things for? They appear to fit in the grooves?

Are they to protect the endcaps?

 

[ckon]

Got it. Thanks a lot. What are the 2 included rubber things for? They appear to fit in the grooves?

Are they to protect the endcaps?

They fit in the rearmost part of the slot that the rails slide in to keep the rails from contacting the rear caps.

 

[GENRUN]

Thanks for the post. I got mine installed this morning, but I cracked one of the end caps, its on the inside, so hopefully it'll be alright.

 

[Karpt]

Just installed crossbars

I have never used a forum before. Just got finished installing crossbars on my white 2010 limited after recieving some good tips on this site. I noticed that some owners were having trouble with the rear caps cracking. I used a hair dryer to heat these caps to make them more pliable and they came off easily. In 15 degree weather I can see why some of these break. Thanks for the help. Karpt

 

[phosho911]

I did not notice that they were different lengths, but they are clearly labeled which side is which and which is front verse rear.

My crossbars are exactly the same size. There were no instructions included. My bars do not have any labels that indicate which one goes in the front or back. Does it really matter which one goes in front??? thanx for your help

 

[ckon]

My crossbars are exactly the same size. There were no instructions included. My bars do not have any labels that indicate which one goes in the front or back. Does it really matter which one goes in front??? thanx for your help

Note that there's an airfoil shape to the bars indicating which part should be the leading edge, otherwise you're asking for wind noise. As for deciding which bar should be in front, I think the thumbnuts and the anchor points may determine that, but I'm not sure.

 

[phosho911]

thanks for your help chuck. After having a closer look, the bars were labeled on the very end of the sides just in cased you missed it like I did.

 

[sporty87]

Cross bar install

Thanks for the detailed post. I installed my crossbars on my 2010 SR5 yesterday and your instructions where right on.I got mine at World wide Toyota parts.com ($105.00).
As far as which bar goes where. On the side of the cross bar that has the thumb wheel assy. already attached from factory you have to look at the part that slips into the roof rail channel it is stamped LF meaning this side goes to the left rail front (front bar)and the other is stamped LR meaning this side goes to left rail rear (rear bar).

 

[THE MACF]

So I was just checking out Yakima's website and they said that their cargo basket's will fit the Factory roof rack. Anyone know?

 

[shawn719]

So I was just checking out Yakima's website and they said that their cargo basket's will fit the Factory roof rack. Anyone know?

Used a Yakima rack for years on my 05 SR5 with NO problems (well, besides the wind noise)
I have crossbars on order and I am going to put my rack right on my 2010 SR5.

 

[harper7]

So I was just checking out Yakima's website and they said that their cargo basket's will fit the Factory roof rack. Anyone know?

Yes, they will if you have the crossbars ,which are an option now, as that is where they attach.