Has anyone tried to remove the roof rack on a 2012 RX350

 

If you look in the FAQ section at the top of the page, you'll find:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...oof-racks.html

 

A few members have removed theirs, maybe not specifically 2012. But yes, it's been done. Check out Cruiter's RX to see how it looks. FWD does not come with the roof rack. I went so far as to buy the removal kit from Sewell ($69.16 when you set up an account) figuring it would make detailing and snow clearing easier, But I just can't alter the look that drastically. I also worry about possible leaks even though the kit has screws and black strips to snap on over the areas where the roof rack attaches. I recall reading in the 2nd gen RX forum about people using thread sealing tape to prevent water getting in around the screws.

BTW, the Sewell site linked above also has PDF instructions on how to remove the roof rack.

 

i removed the Roof Rack from the wife's 2013 RX350 a few weeks ago. The car is so much quieter now (as it should for a luxury SUV). The process was very simple and only take me about 30 minutes to do both.
I used the Roof Rack Removal Kit from Sewell and to be honest, i am not impressed with the quality of the parts. The plastic covers were very flimsy and don't sit nice and tight on the slots. If i have to do it over again, i would just replace with shorter screws and nice gaskets. Then get the replacement Roof Strips and trim to fit and RTV them in place for a nice and uniform fit.
Words of Advice: be careful after you remove the OEM Roof Rack Bracket and Installing the new bracket! The screws assy might fall onto the headliner since they are just floating under the roof.

 

Hey Phoenix;

Can you explain 'quieter now'? Did you have the cross bars installed as well?

Roof rack seems pretty aerodynamic so wonder what noise it was producing (rattle, wind noise, etc). Can see the cross bars making a slight bit of noise if at all as they face the wind, but not the racks themselves.

 

Sure, the noise was significantly reduced after we removed the cross bars. However, we could still getting wind noise with the two side rackbars. Especially when we drive at higher speeds (above 75mph) or area with high crosswinds. Now we hardly notice any wind noise even at high speed (but still get some noise with high crosswinds which is OK).
I hope tthis answer your question!

 

How hard is it to install it back if you decide to use it? Or is it a irreversible process.?

 

It is very easy to reverse back to the OEM Roof Rack configuration! Basically the Roof Rack Removal Kits contained Brackets and Screws to cover the holes on the Roof. Then Plastic Covers snap on to cover the expose hardware.
I am wondering if those without the Roof Rack Option (from the Factory) have a one continuous Moulding to cover the each side of the Roof?

 

^FWDs have the single black strip. It's available but not cheap.

 

I put the solid one piece roof rack inserts on my 2007 RX350. 100 dollars each.

Just ask for the panoramic moon roof inserts at the dealer.

 

Here is mine.

 

But the 3RX didn't offer a panoramic roof package unlike the 2RX. I'm sure the part can be found on Sewell's site searching under FWD RX. After hearing that price (IIRC I thought it was around $150/each for the 3RX) thelew67 might not be that interested in removing the roof racks.

 

That's why I sold mine after I took them off. They paid for the inserts and my first monthly payment.