Prinsu Rack, Cross Bar Bolts Rusting, One Bolt Sheared Off

[Andrea]

I am going on a trip, and when I come back I intend to remove all the cross bars and toss the bolts and get new ones. I need to figure out what to do with the residual corrosion inside the holes. I want to clean them up. Prinsu is not getting a good review from me with this design. It is strange that I am the only user of this rack that has reported the problem.

I might live with the one bar having one screw at one end and not load that bar. But if I have to wrestle to get the sheared bolt out I might just buy a replacement bar.

Why cadmium?

sacrificial protection and protection from rust and is an effective barrier to galvanic reactions between maybe steel and aluminium

 

[TK-422]

What about the residual rust in the holes? Would that not interfere with the locktite?

You can get a tap and die set pretty cheap if you don't have one. run it through the threads to clean them up.

Here is a decent set I own.

 

[Farzad_K]

You can get a tap and die set pretty cheap if you don't have one. run it through the threads to clean them up.

Here is a decent set I own.

I don't have a set but I do have a few assorted sizes, and at least one 1/4-20.

I am going to use a blower first and then check how easily the new SS 1/4-20 bolts will drive in. When there is resistance I will use the tap to pave the way.

I have decided not to use anti seize and am still considering if I should use a thread locker.

 

[Farzad_K]

You can get a tap and die set pretty cheap if you don't have one. run it through the threads to clean them up.

Here is a decent set I own.

I don't have a set but I do have a few assorted sizes, and at least one 1/4-20.

I am going to use a blower first and then check how easily the new SS 1/4-20 bolts will drive in. When there is resistance I will use the tap to pave the way.

I have decided not to use anti seize and am still considering if I should use a thread locker.

 

[jbtvt]

You're better off using a thread chaser for something like this if you want to go that route, although it's prob unnecessary. Esp going into a softer metal. You can make your own with a bolt, just cut some groove into the side with a grinder, like a tap has, and snap the burrs off. Btw, USA-made Irwin/Hansen taps and dies can be had for pretty cheap on ebay

 

[TK-422]

I don't have a set but I do have a few assorted sizes, and at least one 1/4-20.

I am going to use a blower first and then check how easily the new SS 1/4-20 bolts will drive in. When there is resistance I will use the tap to pave the way.

I have decided not to use anti seize and am still considering if I should use a thread locker.

I did not use either on my rack and it has done well so far.

I have changed the arrangement of the rack a few times over the years and have never lost a bolt or had one seize up.

A side note. A neighbor down my street I don't know moved in recently and I see he has a white 4Runner with a black Prinsu rack in his driveway. I will have to stop by and say hi to him.

 

[GhostRing]

I have decided not to use anti seize and am still considering if I should use a thread locker.

I don't know if this was mentioned yet, but Prinsu now omits the split washers
and provides Vibra-Tite 111 Low Strength threadlocker (competes w/Loctite 222) That may offer a possible solution to your issue?