Remove roof rack crossbars - prob dumb question

[T4R_Finally]

Going to recoat the two main crossbars today. Thought removing them would be obvious but its not. Maybe my coffee just hasnt kicked in yet this morning. Can i just remove the two crossbars or do i have to take the whole thing apart?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Whole thing, at least for me. Actually, if you just loosen the T20 or T25 torx bolts from the frame (don't remove the track yet), then pop off the end caps (pull the locking tab up and pull out of the track), that will work. But you have to break the silicone seal around the bolt holes for the tracks so go ahead and take the whole thing off.

When putting the end caps back on, slide the inner tab in place first.

I use a dab of silicone around each bolt hole and at the end of the bolt before putting the trays back on top to seal it correctly.

Nothing like working all day Saturday. Yuck.

 

[the great him]

you have to pull at least one set of end caps(either front or rear) from the rails, then the two main cross bars slide out the ends... it is easiest to remove the entire rack though as the end caps can be a PITA to get back in/on, hope its not cold out when you reinstall them as they can get super brittle and break. try heating them up first, they will be more malleable/pliable and wont break as easy. good luck

 

[T4R_Finally]

NOOB alert! After posting this, I realized the torx bolts at each end held the end caps on. Removed all 4 end caps and slid the 2 main rails out at each end.

Thanks

 

[Motohead]

NOOB alert! After posting this, I realized the torx bolts at each end held the end caps on. Removed all 4 end caps and slid the 2 main rails out at each end.

Thanks

Don't feel bad. I tried this once years ago and never bothered to figure it out, so thanks for asking! :thumbup::beer:

 

[hrt4me]

did you simply re-coat those two main crossbars, or did you first strip the existing paint and prep them?