OEM Roof Rack Leak

I did rubber washer and silicone on mine. Haven’t had any leaks in 6+ months.

@helix66 Under the weather stripping, the holes have a tape/adhesive covering all of the holes that you have to use a knife or screwdriver to penetrate.

 

1:58 into the install video explains

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MvRHo8CyDNc

 

I just completed the roof rack install this afternoon and have to thank you all for your advise beforehand. I replaced the foam washers for rubber ones and also replaced the 4 M6 torx screws for stainless phillips head screws(same length) for the front brackets. I made sure to coat the threads with loctite. I didn't have any problems with the oem supplied other hardware threads but made sure to run them all through the roof nuts before I attached the racks to the roof. Also hit each attachment spot with a nice size circle of automotive silicone. I think I spent most of my installation time removing the trim adhesive from the roof channel from the original weatherstripping of the truck. All in all it looks sweet and I am happy. Onto next mod, lol.

 

Could the mounting holes be injected with silicone sealant before mounting? Or is this a bad idea for some reason? What about a small angled syringe head to just plug up the sides of the frame either side of the hole?

 

Any chance you remember the size washers you used??

 

I just took the foam ones with me to the hardware store and matched them.

 

Unfortunately that is where my problem lies...I don't have the OEM washers to compare.

 

Hole diameter=1/4", Outside diameter of washer=3/4"

 

Thanks! I did pick up a couple packs with an hole diameter of 1/4", but i think the outside diameter was 1".

 

That should still work fine.

 

Are you willing to sell the rubber strips by any chance? I stupidly got rid of mine and need a set for a double cab.
Thanks
-John

 

Hey Y'all,
New leak, same side. I pulled the driver's side OEM roof rack to reseal a leak coming in over the rear window and dripping down the back wall into the rear plastic cubby. It's very sporadic leak. Following our last hurricane there was maybe a few drops. Go thru a carwash and it can sometimes drop 1/2 a cup.
I hate the idea of pulling it off again, I doubt those freaking yellow tabs are going to last another go around. So my question:
1. Should I lay a strip of butyl tape along the whole run of the roof gutter? Or just clean the hell out of the old, black silicone and reseal it?
2. Anyone have a source for the dreaded yellow connectors?
Thanks for your help!

 

I now have the app.

 

I would honestly just remove it completely and reseal the holes. but if your persistent and gots to have a roof rack, yes butyl tape each hole and some auto silicone on the holes would do.

 

It may be that your third brake light has a leak. I had a similar issue where I thought my roof rack was leaking at the rear, but after attempts to reseal it, I noticed that it was still leaking. I replaced the third brake light and hasn’t leaked since.

 

I used a quality waterproof silicon. Put it on the holes and threads of the bolts before putting them in and tightening them down. Used better quality rubber washers from the hardware store. Also bought new stainless steel bolts instead of the crap ones that come with the rack. Has been on over a year and no leaks.

 

Thanks Gluvva. I definitely don't want to create new issues. As for the yellow plastic clips, got a source for them? I strongly doubt they are doing to make it through a third installation. The fins were pretty boogered up.

 

Thanks GlenPxC. That's what I did the last time. But without any rubber washers. Just bolts and silicone. Wonder if the lack of a rubber washer created space for the leak? Also, do you have a source for those terrible yellow clips?

 

Holy smokes. I hadn't considered that. Because it's coming down on the driver's side of the roof at the rear window, I have focused 100% on the roof rack. Hmmmm. Since you've had the brake light assy out, do you remember if there would be a path for water to travel across the top of the rear window, then down the driver's side?

 

I have seen threads on this yellow freaking clip and it is very difficult to actually get. I don't even think that toyota has a part number for it. Good luck on the second install. I would put silicone right on the holes and use that rubber butyl tape instead of washers since it actually conforms to the parts and creates a better seal.