mandyfig

Saw the 2010 RX350 at the auto show and got some inspiration to remove the cross bars. It has been something that I have been wanting to do.

Here's step 1:

Remove rear trim. Hold on center and lift. It does not want to move but you will need some jogging.

mandyfig

Step 2: After unscrewing the bolt, you can now slide out the cross bars. Put the rim back.

Looking from the rear...



From the front...

KeysRx300

I didnt like the look of the rack on my RX300 or 350. So I ended up taking them off both.

On the RX350 you can remove the entire rack. And install the long spacers that come with the panaorama sunroof. Looks much nicer. Sold the roof rack for almost 2 car payments.

JasDmw

I did this on my '08 and admit that a couple of the tabs that lock the covers in place broke off. I tried to be extra careful, but couldn't figure out how to pull up or out while removing that cover. Also, getting them back on was a chore as well. That yellow post you see in your photo kept falling out. Did you do anything in particular to squeeze or push or pull, something that made removal without snapping the locking tabs any easier? Note that the cover still held in place even without those pesky tabs, but I was so paranoid about it that I didn't do this on my '09, yet!

DNC

I took the cross bars off our 04 and 07 the day we got them. It makes washing so much easier.

mandyfig

^^ Yes, washing is a lot easier!

That yellow locking tab was a PITA. You almost need to replace them after you yank them off. And the tabs, they broke the minute you pull that trim.

Yes, without the racks, they look sleek and clean. maybe in a few months, I will take them off and see what it looks like!

shikbas

that is neet,if you want to take all the side bars out how will you cover the holes that left by the screws thanks

mandyfig

You can buy the cover as stated from Lexus, some people have them done, do a search, I think it is about $180. Or else you must seal to keep water out. Nobody can see much, not noticeable.

sportsfan8

Hey Keys, that looks like my RX! I also have my tails "smoked," although not as dark as yours.

I love the look of my RX without the roof rack or rails, I'll never use them. But it's just taking up room inside my garage. How much could I get for them?

When it's time for new tires, I want to get 19" wheels. I'm just not sure where to get them...

meowmix52

Does taking off the cross bars or the roof rack in general help for wind noise at all? Any audible quietness after doing this?
Or maybe the 2010 RX is just quieter in general...

sportsfan8

I haven't noticed much of a difference in wind noise since taking them off... maybe a tiny improvement in gas mileage if I drive normally. I don't really drive in complete silence, so I either have the windows down or music cranked up.

mandyfig

I tried to listen if I had less wind noise, but could not detect it. I was hoping that the wind noise (or some other kind of noise) was going to lessen, but so far maybe not.

Anyway, after a few weeks, I may remove the whole rack...really much better look.

mandyfig

Without the racks, looks more of a crossover...than an SUV. Which is probably better.

tod071

My friend just mentioned this to me today. I was thinking of removing the entire rack, but I might just remove the cross bars to see how it looks.

RA080623

I like the no cross bar look. I think it going to be a quick project as soon as the weather warms up.

Keys... where do I get the smoked tail lights. Is it a film that goes on and how "durable" might it be in some harsh cold weather?