Loose OEM Roof Rack

Hey everyone,

My 2021 Tacoma came with the factory roof rack from the dealer. I was initially excited about it because I use a roof rack periodically. However, since using it I have found that the rack is very loose where the cross bar mounts into the holes. For background, I have a Yakima SUP carrier mounted onto the cross bar and typically carry 1-2 paddleboards. When carrying the Paddleboards, I hear the wobble/knocking of the cross bar in the mounting hole and it’s quite frustrating. I’m just curious if anyone else has had similar issues with their roof rack?

TIA

 

Is it loose in the construction of the rack, or is the wobble coming from a loose mounting bolt to the truck? I just did a DIY rack on my 3rd gen so spent a lot of time digging around in there.

 

I personally think it’s a design flaw. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the OEM racks but the crossbars can fold away into the the sides when not in use. When you told the crossbars out to use, they have a big plastic/rubber plug on the end that snaps into the corresponding hole and locks in place. There’s a just a lot of play where they snap in and I don’t know if mine has more play than normal or if it’s just not a snug fit.

 

I installed a set of OEM and I have no rattles or even wind noise when they are opened. I don't use them, just prefer the look of the Tacoma with them.

 

I don’t have any rattles when not hauling on the rack. It’s only when I keep something up there that’s going to catch the wind and pull upwards on the rack, which then causes a rattling within the socket the crossbar pops into.

 

Gotcha. I just got mine for looks so I'm good!

 

Go to your local hardware store and buy a few different thickness rubber o-rings that are close to the diameter of the crossbar nub thing. Try each of them on the nub, doubling them up if needed, until it fits to your liking. Done.