Factory roof rack removal tips

In removing factory roof rack I remember there is a spring type clip locking it in both ends. Any issues with that piece breaking ? Pull straight up, rear / front first, etc. ?
Thanks.

 

Interested as well as im about to remove mine. Every find an answer

 

I don’t have an answer for you guys. But I do have a question. Are you guys selling your rack?

 

Sorry but I won't be selling mine. I've kept every OEM part just in case I need to return it to stock.

 

Taking my rack off today... any tips from folks on this thread? Did you remove? Anything break? Ways to avoid?

FYI I already have someone lined up for the rack I’m removing. Really need advice to prevent damage to rack.

 

It’s very straight forward to remove. Just make sure you are using the proper size torque bits as to not strip the heads. They are installed with lock right so go slow taking them out.

Once all the screws are out pull up from the back to the front to remove the clip that holds the rail to the front bracket and it will pop right out. Then remove the bracket. They are easy to remove.

The bad part is you will likely have some cosmetic paint damage from the factory rails where they sat on the paint. It can be buffed out but just a heads up.

 

thanks, this description was spot on. I did end up stripping the head of one of the smaller bracket screws. Another was close to stripping. Quick trip to the Depot for those Speed Out extractor and I was in business.

and maybe for posterity... if anyone is thinking about removing do so sooner rather than later. They really do scratch up the roof over time. A magic eraser and wax cleaned it up but a few scratches are deeper. This is after 2 years @ 26k miles. Though it is the roof where unlikely to see.