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sealant when installing roof rack?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by corgimas, Mar 29, 2019.

  1. Mar 29, 2019 at 10:12 AM
    #1
    corgimas

    corgimas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    uhhhh....dog fur?
    Anyone use any sort of sealant when they bolt on a roof rack? I would lean towards Lexel as it can be removed and applied over again instead of silicone as that makes it untouchable by other sealants/glues later on...

    Got my OEM rack ready to go and have read the stories of leakage, and coming from the kayaking world we lean towards excess sealant to seal off holes....so........

    Thanks much!
     
  2. Mar 29, 2019 at 10:15 AM
    #2
    crackils

    crackils Sith Lord Jar Jar

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    This is the one I used, bought at Home Depot. So far no leaks, no smell, and plenty left over for next project or as a back up
    MVIMG_20181108_125357.jpg
     
  3. Mar 29, 2019 at 10:21 AM
    #3
    helix66

    helix66 Well-Known Member

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    I think ge makes and automotive version of that silicone that would be better suited to outdoor temps/elements/uv.
     
  4. Mar 29, 2019 at 10:24 AM
    #4
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

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    Lexel eh? First time hearing it. Looks legit.
     
    corgimas[OP] likes this.
  5. Mar 29, 2019 at 10:25 AM
    #5
    SnowSpartan

    SnowSpartan IT, not the clown.

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    I installed the OEM roof rack with gorilla silicone sealant.
     
  6. Mar 29, 2019 at 10:30 AM
    #6
    JdevTac

    JdevTac Bawnjourno

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    When I installed a light bar mount years ago, I used black RTV sealant. Mainly put it on the bolt threads near the hex head. Never had a leak for the couple years I had the light bar on.

    My setup though was basically bolt head>washer>led bar mount>Factory weather strip>neoprene washer with thin layer of RTV under it>bolt hole
     
    Malvolio likes this.
  7. Mar 29, 2019 at 11:09 AM
    #7
    dman100

    dman100 Well-Known Member

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    I just installed the OEM rack last month and have driven many miles through heavy rain as well as sitting in the rain. I used a tiny bit of black RTV (Loctite brand I think) around the mounting screws but honestly I don’t think it was needed. Between the thread locker on the screws and the foam washers which all seemed to seat and compress properly, it’s pretty well sealed IMO. The general difficulty of installation and fit issues seemed way exaggerated in the online posts, compared to my experience. My rack was Toyota OEM, the latest part number, mounted on a 2016 DCSB.

    Also, FYI, I mounted up an old 7 or 8’ long Yakima Rocket Box on the OEM rack, and have driven over 100 miles off pavement, including some serious washboard, as well as 3000 miles highway with no issues. Maybe 75-100 lb load including the Rocket Box. I did shim the crossbars with some foam tape to eliminate the free play where they latch. So far I’m happy with the rack for the price, and understanding it’s limitations.
     
    Pops_Taco and Pro-Taco like this.
  8. Mar 29, 2019 at 4:28 PM
    #8
    corgimas

    corgimas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    uhhhh....dog fur?
    Y'all rock! Thanks!!
     
  9. Mar 29, 2019 at 4:30 PM
    #9
    corgimas

    corgimas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    uhhhh....dog fur?
    Lexel it's great stuff because you can put it on, rip it off then paint or glue/sealseal a in the same spot.
    Silicone leaves behind a layer and only silicone will stick there again...
    This is on plastic and fiberglas kayaks so I expect the same on most materials
     
    Skydvrr[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Mar 29, 2019 at 4:45 PM
    #10
    INT.EGRATED

    INT.EGRATED Well-Known Member

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  11. Mar 29, 2019 at 4:50 PM
    #11
    Stocklocker

    Stocklocker Well-Known Member

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    The longest lasting sealants are not Silicone, but Urethane. Silicone shrinks back over the years and separates from one or the other surface. I often work for the marine industry and have cause to seal holes and gaps on boats around electrical equipment. Silicone products do not hold up to the harsh environment on the deck of a ship (sun / wet / vibrations / power washing) at all. The only thing that lasts is urethane-based sealants, and of the available products, Sika’s ‘Sikaflex 1a’ is the best. I have applied this stuff over rust, to wet surfaces, over uneven cracked old paint, to wet concrete, and seen it last 10 years is the harshest conditions, no problem.

    The only downside, is if you get one tiny drop on your hands, it will be everywhere, and doesn’t come off until you’ve had a few showers, or soaked your hands in gas. Wear gloves.

    I like the grey “limestone” colour, but it also comes in black, white etc. I don’t think there is a clear option.

    https://www.amazon.com/Sikaflex-1A-Limestone-Polyurethane-Sealant-Cartridge/dp/B00461GOKY
     
  12. Mar 29, 2019 at 5:05 PM
    #12
    OriginalMan

    OriginalMan Well-Known Member

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    I used permatex black adhesive silicone sealant. Works perfect and since I chopped my weather strip due to the prinsu rack I used it to keep them from flying off.
     
  13. Mar 29, 2019 at 5:58 PM
    #13
    lowtiderides

    lowtiderides No peers for 50 years...

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    Use automotive based sealant, silicon will cause rust on bare metal. Use PPG,3M or SEM all make sealant and sealers for use on automotive and aerospace uses. It will cost 3 times as much but you will be doing it right.
     
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  14. Mar 29, 2019 at 6:00 PM
    #14
    Big tall dave

    Big tall dave Well-Known Member

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    Cheap, white, outdoor window caulking......from Home Depot. I let it dry for a week and then Fluid Filmed in the channels. No leaks so far.
    Oh, and I replaced all the original hardware with stainless steel too.
     
  15. Apr 8, 2019 at 5:04 PM
    #15
    corgimas

    corgimas [OP] Well-Known Member

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    uhhhh....dog fur?
    well...I lexel-ed them...and....did not pay attention to the weather today....installed the rack yesterday and it rained today....filled up the rain barrel but no leakage! Guess I got them sealed up good.
    zQQQznsdOlisYebMs297pWbOCnTxl8WfIyKwhy9l_27d0480ee19486b296647daeaab1b03d3c622d5f.jpg
     
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  16. Apr 8, 2019 at 11:27 PM
    #16
    OregontoBajaCA

    OregontoBajaCA Well-Known Member

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    I used many tubes of this sealant along with other types of caulking and silicone on a recent whole house interior remodel.

    It’s entertaining that they just keep raising the number of years this stuff will supposedly last.
    20, 25, 35, 40, 50 and now 60 years!

    I’d be curious to see if it really lasts anywhere close to that, but I’ll be long dead before the year 2079.

    100 year sealant, coming soon!




    37C1892C-F87E-4B4B-8281-24D352BC4BA8.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2019
  17. Apr 9, 2019 at 8:50 AM
    #17
    shakerhood

    shakerhood Well-Known Member

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    Butyl Rubber that is used for sealing tail light would work too, that stuff stays flexible.
     
  18. Jun 2, 2019 at 11:33 PM
    #18
    Malvolio

    Malvolio free zip ties for Stun

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    Similarly, I installed mine last week and also used black RTV silicone on the threads as insurance. And I had zero issues with the torx heads on the bolts, the fitment, and the overall install. Some people suggested using rubber washers, but I tried that and they slipped out and became misshapen after tightening the bolts, so I just used the foam washers. Three rainstorms later and no sign of leaks.
     
  19. Jun 3, 2019 at 12:51 AM
    #19
    Pro-Taco

    Pro-Taco Well-Known Member

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    Toyota instructions do not call for any sealant. Had my OE roof racks installed without any sealant, 6 months later no leaks or any signs of water penetration.
     
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  20. Jun 3, 2019 at 4:30 AM
    #20
    Ck1010

    Ck1010 Well-Known Member

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    Good Luck! :thumbsup:
     
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