Roof Rack install question

Hey guys,

I recently bought the OEM roof rack. I was curious if others put any kind of sealant around the bolt holes when installing their rack? I heard a few people say that it could leak and I was wondering if I should use some silicone sealant? Thanks

 

Probably doesn't hurt. I didn't and have no issues. If i remember right they have little rubber washer type things that seal up the holes pretty decently.

 

Ok good to know. I haven't even opened the box yet, it's been raining for past few days here in NJ and supposed to for the rest of week smh. Hopefully I'll get to it Sunday, I can't wait to get it on there. Thanks for the reply.

 

I put some liquid Teflon on the threads. No issues for me.

 

Good idea, thank you!

 

I didn't initially use any sealant then it rained and leaked. Definitely throw some sealant in there when you install.

 

I'd definitely throw some silicone in the holes in addition to the supplied rubber washers. The guy I sold my stock wheels to did not use silicone and he said he would experience leaks when it rained or even when he took his truck through a drive-in car wash.

 

When I put my Prinsu on I just glooped some clear silicone into the nutserts before I installed the bolts, like a hershey's kiss size gloop. Haven't had any leaks, I figure the silicone fills the thread plenty tight. Some excess ended up coating the bottom of my spacers, again I figured it couldn't hurt. Helped hold the spacers on, too!

 

Oh man, it really does seem like it’s an issue. I will put some sealant for sure. We need to get a dislike button on here lol. I’d be pissed, they should put something in the instructions for install as a warning or just add a step for sealant. It’s def not in the pdf Toyota gave me.

Wow that’s crazy!

Very good idea, I’ll be doing this for sure. Thanks guys !

 

Since you will be removing the channel molding let me know if you want to get rid of it if it's in good shape.
Thanks

 

Surely, I'll do my best to preserve it.

 

SEAL IT. I just used the rubber washers and one kinked just a hair. Water poured in. I took them off and put silicone on the holes. It's been over a year and zero leaks.

 

Damn that’s terrible. Glad you got it squared away. I couldn’t imagine that .

 

It didn’t get real wet. I tested it with a hose. I didn’t let it rain. I went straight out and got the silicone.

 

I just installed the OEM rack a couple of weeks ago, I filled the holes on the cab with silicone, put the supplied rubber washers and put some more silicone on the bolts themselves before tightening them down to make sure that s**t is watertight....been pouring raining here in VA for a few days so far so good.

 

Awesome, that's what I am going to do. I'm in the same boat, been raining here ALL week in NJ, not supposed to let up until Monday. I've been waiting impatiently to install lol.

 

Be patient my friend, You’ll love the new look !!
Even though a lot of people have the same OEM, it’s not the same until you have it on your own truck

 

It will absolutely, 100% leak without sealant. You might not notice it until your headliner gets mouldy, but it will leak. Not worth saving the $3 and extra 5 minutes of time.

 

may be a dumb question, but how can you tell if it is leaking? I swear sometimes I smell the water/jeep smell (from leaky hard tops) inside the tacoma after a rain. My wife doesn't smell it, but I do. I would take mine off and use sealant but stripped a bolt head and haven't messed with it yet.

 

Installed the OEM 2 weeks ago. Used the washers, silicone in the holes and on top of the bolts. No leaks and it's been raining solid for the last week.