Stock roof rail reinstall question & advice.

[GLAD1ATØR]

Hi all.

If I am removing an aftermarket rack and replacing it with my stock roof rails. are thete any preventive measures I need to take for water? Or will they seal perfectly like factory when tightened down?

I know the bolts aren’t exposed and covered by the plastic end caps but should I be concerned at all for water in the recessed runoff seeping into the factory holes?

I know silicone is not technically recommended but should I used a gasket or rtv where the roof rails feet make contact with the roof sheet metal?


Thank you.

 

[T4R_Canuck]

Hi all.

If I am removing an aftermarket rack and replacing it with my stock roof rails. are thete any preventive measures I need to take for water? Or will they seal perfectly like factory when tightened down?

I know the bolts aren’t exposed and covered by the plastic end caps but should I be concerned at all for water in the recessed runoff seeping into the factory holes?

I know silicone is not technically recommended but should I used a gasket or rtv where the roof rails feet make contact with the roof sheet metal?


Thank you.

I'm trying my best to remember the removal of my factory rack and from what I can recall, the rubber gasket that goes under the rail was installed without any additional silicone. I'm 99% sure that the only substance outside of the plastic caps and rubber gaskets was a little thread locker on the factory bolts.

 

[fkheath]

Hi all.

If I am removing an aftermarket rack and replacing it with my stock roof rails. are thete any preventive measures I need to take for water? Or will they seal perfectly like factory when tightened down?

I know the bolts aren’t exposed and covered by the plastic end caps but should I be concerned at all for water in the recessed runoff seeping into the factory holes?

I know silicone is not technically recommended but should I used a gasket or rtv where the roof rails feet make contact with the roof sheet metal?


Thank you.

The sealing "washers" are very thin, paper thin. Thus you need something more substantial to replace them with. I used a long life silicone, but if you are afraid of silicone, then a very long life latex caulk. You really must use something instead of those thin washers.

 

[IslandJim]

You could get new rubber washers if your concerned about their integrity.

Believe a butyl type of sealant if any is recommended.

 

[fkheath]

You could get new rubber washers if your concerned about their integrity.

Believe a butyl type of sealant if any is recommended.

The new washers would be just a thin as the original. Thus you should use your caulk/sealant of your choice.

 

[LeekT4R]

Put some RTV on it and be done.

 

[Tooly]

You can buy a kit that has all the new parts needed in it from Toyota. I did that when I installed an earlier trail edition rack on my 2021.

 

[CentcomPete]

Careful with the bolts!

Be careful not to loosen one bolt too much more than the other when removing them. SERIOUSLY - if you do, the "clip" underneath that the bolts screw down in to will separate and fall into the abyss.
Unscrew them each at an equal amount until they come out as opposed to removing one completely before the other.