groomerz

got a thule cargo box and went to insatll it and i noticed my factory crossbars had play in them on the passenger side only. I could lift the aluminun bar up and down and it seemed loose as it fits into the plastic track piece. both were secure on the drivers side. I checked the bolts they seem tight not sure if there is a nut inside just spinning though. I think they all might be this way so the bars can expand and contract without binding. I stopped at dealer. Service writer thought they shouldn't be like that. Tech tried to tighten and wouldn't tighten.
Suggested I make an appt so they can pull the whole rack to see what is going on. I didn't have time or want someone taking apart my rack only to find there is no problem. While there i checked 2 other o9 rx's and they too had play on both bars on passenger side also.

Anyone have any info on this? I am concerned that this might cause the bar to crack the fitting when the cargo carrier is loaded and I'm a long way from home.

(Also I found that the front crosssbar can move another 5 in forward if you pull out the rubber track cover. It exposes another set of notches without interfering with the sunroof. I think they put it because of wind noise from the crossbar) in the far forward position)

Are your bars loose in fittings on passenger side?

groomerz

64 views and no one has loose factory crossbars on passenger side.

mandyfig

Best route is get it in for a check, you are fully covered. Get some coffee and pastries while you are in the dealer.

lexus_md

I have the same problem. What was the remediation??

groomerz

it was slotted and loose on one side for expansion and contracton of bars so they dont jam moving them up or down. I ve put my loaded cargo box on it a half dozen times with no issues. btw if you need to move the front bar forward more over the sunroof like I did . there is a removable piece in the track . If you remove it the forward bar can go over the sunroof

btw you should add your car to your signature

RX35059

Hi,

I have Lexus RX350 ( 2008 ) with the same loose Crossbars, mainly on the passenger side but it is also a bit loose on the driver's side.

Did you ever get an answer or fix to this problem ???

Thanks in advance,
JP

RX35059

Hi,

I have Lexus RX350 ( 2008 ) with and the Crossbars on the roof feel loose, mainly on the passenger side but it is also a bit loose on the driver's side.

Anyone have any experience with issue and have maybe have a fix for this or is this suppose to be like this ???

Thanks in advance,
JP

Felix

When said the crossbars are loose, You can actually move them forward & back w/o lifting up the lock? Or what?

RX35059

No, not back & forwards. The Crossbars can be moved slightly Up & Down for about 1/4 of an inch ( mainly on the Passenger Side )

Felix

Wow, Is the rack itself bolted down to the roof?

RX35059

Yes, the main 2 rails are bolted down properly to the roof but the 3 crossbars have too much play (up/down) for my feeling. More on the passenger side then the drivers side. The 2 screws underneath are pretty tight.

Felix

3 crossbars? The oem rack only uses two that slide forward & back on the roof rails. Is yours oem or aftermarket? The oem crosssbar's are going to be fairly tight, so they hardly any slack........

RX35059

Sorry the '3' was a typo. I meant to say .. '2' Crossbars ...

tawm

See Groomerz reply 1/25/16 above, some play is normal on pax side