Roof Rack question
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: PA
Roof Rack question
Hey everybody,
I have a few simple questions regarding my 1999 rx300 roof rack, hopefully, you guys could help me out.
1. How do we move the bars forwards or backwards? I loosened the bolt things but they seem to still be stuck on towards the back of the assembly.
2. What is the best position for the crossbars in terms of noise and reduce in drag? Please dont tell me to take them off, as i prefer the look of them. I own a VW Touareg and it has the roof racks like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hofco/2947497675/
As you can see, the 2 bars are together in the back. I read that this is to help reduce drag and increase Fuel economy.
Thanks!
I have a few simple questions regarding my 1999 rx300 roof rack, hopefully, you guys could help me out.
1. How do we move the bars forwards or backwards? I loosened the bolt things but they seem to still be stuck on towards the back of the assembly.
2. What is the best position for the crossbars in terms of noise and reduce in drag? Please dont tell me to take them off, as i prefer the look of them. I own a VW Touareg and it has the roof racks like this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hofco/2947497675/
As you can see, the 2 bars are together in the back. I read that this is to help reduce drag and increase Fuel economy.
Thanks!
Last edited by jetblk328i; May 16, 2010 at 07:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: PA
Hey, an update, i removed them to get an idea of how they look without them. I am pretty satisfied with the results. However, the brackets where the the cross bars used to be seem like they cannot be removed. Is there a way to remove this? Should i screw in the bolt back in so the bolt hole doesnt rust?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
The roof rack has gone through multiple modifications. I have the '99 model too, but mine can be moved.
They need to be at a certain position to reduce the noise. Once the service dept positioned them, I have not moved mine.
With or without is a personal preference.
Be very careful about installing the screw down assembly. It needs to be secure and it has lot to do with the shoulder. Without the bar, you may have to thread the bolt a lot more for the shoulder to contact ,,, and you might damage the tip of the bolt or the body underneath. You can purchase stainless steel short bolts and use them to cap the threads.
Salim
They need to be at a certain position to reduce the noise. Once the service dept positioned them, I have not moved mine.
With or without is a personal preference.
Be very careful about installing the screw down assembly. It needs to be secure and it has lot to do with the shoulder. Without the bar, you may have to thread the bolt a lot more for the shoulder to contact ,,, and you might damage the tip of the bolt or the body underneath. You can purchase stainless steel short bolts and use them to cap the threads.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: PA
Hmm, i know that they changed for sure on 00 models but I didnt know they were changed mid 99. How do your racks move front to back? Mine have 2 screws holding it down to the rail, i believe.
Unless yours is a very early 99 with the bumper strips on the roof itself, the 99s mostly had the same track adjustment and removal mechanism. Loosen the big round nut at the crossbar attachment at each side of the car and they should slide backwards and forwards in the track to the end. If they don't, they've probably been tightened too tight and the track edges have become distorted. You will have to remove the nut completely to take them off and you will be left with a rectangular metallic threaded washer in the track.
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Unfortunately, it's behind the sunroof opening for the front one, which isn't optimal for carrying stuff on them. If you don't open the sunroof much then there's not much difference where you have them.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: PA
I've got the bumper strips on the roof, no luck with sliding them then i guess.
So i will take and keep them off. After removing the crossbars on the early 99 models, what else should i do?
So i will take and keep them off. After removing the crossbars on the early 99 models, what else should i do?
Last edited by jetblk328i; May 17, 2010 at 04:35 PM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Salim
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 1,385
From: Austin, TX
Sorry! the glued on stuff runs the length (and not cross bars). Are you talking about removing them after so many years? Cross bars bridge the width and they are screwed down (either fixed or adjustable) to the rails [the rails run the length near the doors. If we are talking about the glued down stuff, I would consult a body shop. Due to fading from sun, your RX may have developed bra/vest-marks.
Post a picture if you can.
Salim
Post a picture if you can.
Salim
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: PA
Sorry if i was unclear, but i have no intentions on removing the bumper strips on the roof. I want to remove the cross bars that go across the width of the car. After screwing and sliding them out, what else should i do?
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