Roof Rack Silcone Washers?

[mountain mike]

I recently bought a used factory roof rack for my Runner. The paint was all flaking off and it was looking a little rough. So I took to down to my local powder coater and had them blast and powder it. Rails now look great, but I had to take off the little silicone washers that sit underneath the side rails on top of the body. I called the dealer and he though he could get them, he ordered what he though was them but when they came in it was just the bolts and no washers.

Anyone know where I can get these washers? I am concerned about the rack leaking with out them. Should I just put a dab a silicone and then put the bolts in?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ATX-Runner]

If it was mine I would just use some Toyota FIPG on it

 

[Freb_mc]

What year are you dealing with? I just had mine off on my 1997 and it had a long rubber strip under, the one I pulled it from for parts was also a 1997 and it was the same long rubber strip. for added protection I put a little silicone down before reinstalling.

 

[Southernbike]

I removed my roof rack to powder coat it and my washers were trash. I went to Lowes and found some rubber ones very close in size and used them. I also tried to get them from my Toyota dealer, but I guess they only come with the roof rack kit as all they were able order were the bolts.

 

[ThorInc]

I believe Toyota used a marine grade silicone. I have used the marine grade GE brand with success.

 

[mountain mike]

If it was mine I would just use some Toyota FIPG on it

I don't know that sounds a little messy.

What year are you dealing with? I just had mine off on my 1997 and it had a long rubber strip under, the one I pulled it from for parts was also a 1997 and it was the same long rubber strip. for added protection I put a little silicone down before reinstalling.

I am not sure what year the rack came off of. It's going on a 2001. I too have the long strip that goes under the rails it but there are also the silicone washer

I removed my roof rack to powder coat it and my washers were trash. I went to Lowes and found some rubber ones very close in size and used them. I also tried to get them from my Toyota dealer, but I guess they only come with the roof rack kit as all they were able order were the bolts.

Yep, the bolts are all my dealer could get as well. I may go look for some rubber ones at Lowes.

I believe Toyota used a marine grade silicone. I have used the marine grade GE brand with success.

That was what I was thinking about too. I may try the rubber washers and then come back with the silicone if I don't feel comfortable with them or if I have any leaking.

 

[Southernbike]

When I removed my bolts, there was silicone on them ,so I went back with both. Just a little silicone on each bolt plus I used the rubber washers.

 

[wake_rider]

You can find rubber auto body-panel washers at just about any hardware store. Ace Hardware has a great selection of them, and for cheap.

 

[nightnurse]

sorry to bring this thread back up from a year ago. but I picked up a complete oem roof rack from the junkyard and I too found that some of the washers were trashed. I will be scraping them all off. it may be a long shot, but any updates on failure/success with the lowes washers? thanks in advance

 

[mountain mike]

I used rubber/neoprene ones and nothing seems to be leaking.

 

[Clark27]

I am installing an OEM rack this week and plan to hit each bolt with GE marine silicone along with the old Toyota washers. Each bolt had a small amount of silicone from the prior install so I figured that would be safe.

 

[Kbuch1]

I have used a dab of silicone sealant on two separate occasions.
No mess, as it is covered by the rail, and no leaks as it seals the opening with the bolt threaded thru the silicone. Don't see the need for washers.

 

[etc.]

I put a shot of silicone in each bolt.

 

[kolelt]

Don't recall there being washers at all. Just silicone in he hole/bolt.

Rail simply on the metal

 

[Pyral]

I repainted mine for the same reason as OP and the foam o rings were also torn up. What can I use as a replacement for the o ring?

I want to use something that can be removed later if I ever need to remove the roof rack again. I assume that you cant leave the holes open too, I have my roof rack off right now and there is a potential for rain in the forecast. Do those holes lead somewhere into the interior?

 

[HiLife]

Cover those holes up. It will drip onto a brace and potentially on top of your headliner.

 

[phattyduck]

I repainted mine for the same reason as OP and the foam o rings were also torn up. What can I use as a replacement for the o ring?

I want to use something that can be removed later if I ever need to remove the roof rack again. I assume that you cant leave the holes open too, I have my roof rack off right now and there is a potential for rain in the forecast. Do those holes lead somewhere into the interior?

A dab of silicone won't stop you from removing the bolts.

-Charlie

 

[ToyotaBrah]

I repainted mine for the same reason as OP and the foam o rings were also torn up. What can I use as a replacement for the o ring?

I want to use something that can be removed later if I ever need to remove the roof rack again. I assume that you cant leave the holes open too, I have my roof rack off right now and there is a potential for rain in the forecast. Do those holes lead somewhere into the interior?

They lead into the interior headliner.
From the factory the screws have a dab of silicone around the threads. Reapply some to the screw, cinch them down hand tight and you should be fine.

 

[BABYTOYODA]

the rails had a rubber base that slides into it.... also grey foam washers that were there mostly for noise rattle control.... rubber washers are a good substitute.... I just Por15 my rails and just cleaned the rest installing in a few days as going over fresh paint.

 

[Pyral]

I found some 1/2 inch neoprene washers that seem to closely match what was there before, and I used some gasket maker to hold it to the bottom of the roof rack for reattachment.

I guess the only thing left is to spray the roof with a garden hose and hope that everything is water tight.