roof rack issues

[Jc12]

Hey guys, i just removed my factory delete rails and installed a proper factory roof rack. Only problem is the rear screw on each rail (that screw directly onto the roof and run parallel with the truck) will not tighten. I can feel each of them grab something which i am guessing is a small plate and then it just goes a few turns then keeps buckling and not tightening. All the other 4 screws went in fine on each rail.

My issue is now i don't have it sealed tight water can get in under the rail at the back and seep into the hole as the screw isn't tight.. i was thinking about removing the screw and putting silicone in the hole but i don't know if i could get the screw back in at all after that. Any suggestions? thanks

 

[Whitson Metalworks]

Sounds like you'll need to pull the headliner and get a look at what's spinning.

 

[Troybylt]

Sounds like you'll need to pull the headliner and get a look at what's spinning.

^^This man knows roof racks^^ (I'm saving my pennies for a full length with the sunroof cut out)

Time for that head liner to come down. You may get lucky and just pull the left and right side panels and the middle top rear panel and be able to pull the liner down far enough to fish your arms and hands back to the plate and get someone else to start the screw.

 

[slapdappy]

they screw into a nut that is tack welded to the underside of the roof. I guarantee these nuts have not come loose. Perhaps the screws are slightly stripped. Try a new screw 6mm x 1.0. tap the threads. Or tap for a larger screw. My bet is the screw is stripped about half way up the threads.
Once you solve the screw issue, clean the area around the screw hole on the roof and underside of rack channel with isopropyl alcohol and run a small bead of RTV gasket stuff around the hole on the roof.

 

[Jc12]

they screw into a nut that is tack welded to the underside of the roof. I guarantee these nuts have not come loose. Perhaps the screws are slightly stripped. Try a new screw 6mm x 1.0. tap the threads. Or tap for a larger screw. My bet is the screw is stripped about half way up the threads.
Once you solve the screw issue, clean the area around the screw hole on the roof and underside of rack channel with isopropyl alcohol and run a small bead of RTV gasket stuff around the hole on the roof.

thanks for the help - I feel like it might be a strong coincidence that both back screws are stripped but I do have an extra set I will try tonight. I suppose just as likely coincidence that its the nuts and not the screws. Ill let ya know

 

[Atrox Caeda]

they screw into a nut that is tack welded to the underside of the roof. I guarantee these nuts have not come loose. Perhaps the screws are slightly stripped. Try a new screw 6mm x 1.0. tap the threads. Or tap for a larger screw. My bet is the screw is stripped about half way up the threads.
Once you solve the screw issue, clean the area around the screw hole on the roof and underside of rack channel with isopropyl alcohol and run a small bead of RTV gasket stuff around the hole on the roof.

I agree... I had this happen when I installed Control towers instead of the factory crossbars. The back two screws don't like to go back in for whatever reason. I would at least get some higher grade screws to accommodate you having to torque them pretty hard to seat all the way down.

Also, that leads me to a random question: Anyone know where to get the plastic end pieces that are pieces of crap and snap when you try to put them back in place? Mine are just out now and fairly unfinished looking.

 

[slapdappy]

yeah, those are the screws that I assume are removed most often as thats how one removes the end caps to get the crossbars out. And they thread in at an angle, not straight up and down. I effed one up a little bit 2 weeks ago. Then a little more. Then all the way+.
Ended up cutting the nut off with the dremel, very carefully. Popping the headliner was nerve-wracking bc I wanted to avoid breaking/creasing it. I figured out you just pull down on the big button and break it off, then buy replacements.
Used to stick on a flanged replacement nut. Lined it up real careful so the bolt would thread in proper. Then did the RTV gasket thing.. Left over from transmission pan reinstall. I actually did the RTV with all 5 holes, having removed the entire channel, as I didn't trust the original silicone to maintain a seal.

 

[slapdappy]

Anyone know where to get the plastic end pieces that are pieces of crap and snap when you try to put them back in place?

The rarest of junk yard finds. In tact end caps.

 

[Jc12]

Well I tried new hardware and still no luck.. We're due for some rain soon and I am short in time to investigate. I will try pulling the headliner and see if anything looks off when I get some time.

 

[slapdappy]

you can remove the channel, tape over the hinky hole, and use a rubber washer on each of the other screws to seal them. dont crank down real hard, you'll just squash the rubber washer and it'll moosh out. just snug so you get a good seal. then you can deal with the hinky one at your leisure. Rushing a repair like this is when I make it worse.
did you try re tapping existing threads or new larger ones? use Magnet to help pull out the debris.
did this to my skid plate holes with 8mm x 1.25 tap and cutting oil. No more stripped and missing bolts.