TRD PRO Roof Rack removal

[bling]

If I buy a TRD PRO and remove the rack (not a fan), do the holes line up to install the regular roof rack rails from the other models?

 

[Deuxdiesel]

Yes, but the Pro rack uses Torx-style head bolts not regular bolts. Lots of videos on rack removal and installation, but just be careful to turn out the bolts a little at a time, alternating between each bolt. And use a ratchet wrench, not an impact driver.

 

[agloukhoff]

I cannot stress enough how important it is to use the correct torx (T40) and not taking the bolts out until both are loose - else the bracket will rotate.

If you are not using T25s, you will strip the heads - do not fight the bolts. If they are not moving - heat them up to break the threadlock. If you try to force these out you will either strip the bolt or break the head off - plenty of people have done exactly that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=392&v=PgPk-Q7iMJo&feature=youtu.be

Don't be this guy.

 

[fkheath]

If I buy a TRD PRO and remove the rack (not a fan), do the holes line up to install the regular roof rack rails from the other models?

Yes, the hole line up. I did the opposite: removed the regular roof rack and installed the TRD which I got for a bargain on Ebay.

Just be aware that the sealing washers are very thin and prone to leak, thus when you swap out the racks, be sure to use some kind of added sealant to prevent leaks. I used a high quality, long life silicone sealant.

 

[KiwiCan]

What was toyota thinking putting that abomination up there?

 

[bling]

Yes, but the Pro rack uses Torx-style head bolts not regular bolts. Lots of videos on rack removal and installation, but just be careful to turn out the bolts a little at a time, alternating between each bolt. And use a ratchet wrench, not an impact driver.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to use the correct torx (T25) and not taking the bolts out until both are loose - else the bracket will rotate.

If you are not using T25s, you will strip the heads - do not fight the bolts. If they are not moving - heat them up to break the threadlock. If you try to force these out you will either strip the bolt or break the head off - plenty of people have done exactly that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=392&v=PgPk-Q7iMJo&feature=youtu.be

Don't be this guy.

Yes, the hole line up. I did the opposite: removed the regular roof rack and installed the TRD which I got for a bargain on Ebay.

Just be aware that the sealing washers are very thin and prone to leak, thus when you swap out the racks, be sure to use some kind of added sealant to prevent leaks. I used a high quality, long life silicone sealant.

Thank you all for the solid info. I really appreciate it!

 

[Deuxdiesel]

What was toyota thinking putting that abomination up there?

They were thinking "it looked good on the Xterra".

 

[fkheath]

They were thinking "it looked good on the Xterra".

Actually it is a derivative of the FJ Cruiser rack. They stopped importing the Fj Cruiser into the US in 2014, sad to say. I still see lots of them around.

 

[Sempre Nissart]

I cannot stress enough how important it is to use the correct torx (T25) and not taking the bolts out until both are loose - else the bracket will rotate.

If you are not using T25s, you will strip the heads - do not fight the bolts. If they are not moving - heat them up to break the threadlock. If you try to force these out you will either strip the bolt or break the head off - plenty of people have done exactly that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=392&v=PgPk-Q7iMJo&feature=youtu.be

Don't be this guy.

It’s actually T40 that needs to be used. The rest is all correct!

 

[agloukhoff]

It’s actually T40 that needs to be used. The rest is all correct!

Shit - updated the post.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

What was toyota thinking putting that abomination up there?

People put ugly racks on there all the time so just fitting in with the market.