CarNutTO

Just noticed that the underneath front part of the roof rack on both sides looks sort of like its rusting (though its not rust colour). Anyone else experiencing this?

mandyfig

Paint peeled. Same as mine, but much less. I was surprised at this, too.

I scraped it and painted it with flat black. I can not notice it now.

Maybe part of warranty, check it out with the dealer.

teracon

Took my GF's in 2005 RX330. They replaced the bar and the rubber moulding. The moulding was coming off and flapping in the wind. It was covered under warranty.

catdaddylo

My brand new RX350 unfortunately is a yard dog and I thought I saw some rust where you describe but it turned out to be a pollen/dirt build up. It cleaned up with a cloth and using my finger tips.

Junkxus

I believe that it is Aluminum Oxidation as Aluminum does not contain iron so it can not rust. I use Meg. #21 Syn. Wax on the entire roof rack. The bottom portion illustrated in your photo is were the water tends to "cling" and thus the oxidation. Just a continuation of Lexus quality decline. Yes, I know they probably do not manufacture the roof rack but procure it from some source, in the end they put their "Lexus" name on it.

geko29

Junxus is right. That's what "rust" looks like on aluminum. Most metals used in cars oxidize in some way, but they're all different colors (aluminum is white, copper is green, brass is black), and only the red type (iron, steel) is actually called rust.

On the upside, aluminum oxidation isn't nearly as nasty as rust is. It rarely penetrates the surface or causes structural damage. It's just not pretty. But you should be able to scrape/sand it off, reseal the surface, and it shouldn't come back.

CarNutTO

Thanks. Will try the dealer first and see what they say. If they won't repair it under warranty, I'll try sanding and resealing.

blkbuz

I just purchased my 05 RX330 and noticed i have this same rusting problem on my roof rack. Didn't notice when it was purchased we only noticed this when we starting looking up there due to an overhead rattling noise driving at higher speeds. We have adjusted the crossbars to a different position but still hear the noise on the highway.
I know I do have some warranty left (87,000 kms) but didn't realize this would be covered. Before I start messing with removing the cross bars etc. would I be best to take this in? Do you have a extended warranty??

mandyfig

This part is covered only up to 48 months or 50K miles. Repair wil be your cost. As I said, I scraped mine and then painted flat black. Helped.

Sunapollo

Wow I am not the only one. Mines are peeling/ bubbling too ... I am still within the 48mths/50kmiles so I better check out with the dealership asap. Thank you.

mandyfig

Try it, not guaranteed though, but most likely they will replace. Then again, it is a non functional defect. Good luck anyway.

mandyfig

Mine was chipped like 2 inches square, on 2 areas, it was not a big deal. Scraped it and painted with the black oven paint. Now it is not even noticeable.

Sunapollo

checked with the service department but they said it's not covered under warranty (I have CPO warranty dont know if it's different?) .. so I have to diy myself

mandyfig

Would have been if yours was less then 48 months and less than 50K. If not, it is not covered. CPO does not cover such issues. They are cosmetic and not functional defect.

CarNutTO

If the car is still under the original warranty period, it should be covered. I bought mine used from a Lexus dealership with the CPO warranty, and the replacement of the roof rack was covered because it was still within the original warranty period. Shouldn't make a difference that I am in Canada.