jetblk328i

Hey everybody,

I have a few simple questions regarding my 1999 rx300 roof rack, hopefully, you guys could help me out.

1. How do we move the bars forwards or backwards? I loosened the bolt things but they seem to still be stuck on towards the back of the assembly.

2. What is the best position for the crossbars in terms of noise and reduce in drag? Please dont tell me to take them off, as i prefer the look of them. I own a VW Touareg and it has the roof racks like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hofco/2947497675/

As you can see, the 2 bars are together in the back. I read that this is to help reduce drag and increase Fuel economy.

Thanks!

jetblk328i

hmm i dont think 1999 crossbars can be moved,only removed...

jetblk328i

Hey, an update, i removed them to get an idea of how they look without them. I am pretty satisfied with the results. However, the brackets where the the cross bars used to be seem like they cannot be removed. Is there a way to remove this? Should i screw in the bolt back in so the bolt hole doesnt rust?

salimshah

The roof rack has gone through multiple modifications. I have the '99 model too, but mine can be moved.

They need to be at a certain position to reduce the noise. Once the service dept positioned them, I have not moved mine.

With or without is a personal preference.

Be very careful about installing the screw down assembly. It needs to be secure and it has lot to do with the shoulder. Without the bar, you may have to thread the bolt a lot more for the shoulder to contact ,,, and you might damage the tip of the bolt or the body underneath. You can purchase stainless steel short bolts and use them to cap the threads.

Salim

jetblk328i

Hmm, i know that they changed for sure on 00 models but I didnt know they were changed mid 99. How do your racks move front to back? Mine have 2 screws holding it down to the rail, i believe.

hypervish

What is the optimal position for the roof racks to not make noise?

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Unless yours is a very early 99 with the bumper strips on the roof itself, the 99s mostly had the same track adjustment and removal mechanism. Loosen the big round nut at the crossbar attachment at each side of the car and they should slide backwards and forwards in the track to the end. If they don't, they've probably been tightened too tight and the track edges have become distorted. You will have to remove the nut completely to take them off and you will be left with a rectangular metallic threaded washer in the track.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Unfortunately, it's behind the sunroof opening for the front one, which isn't optimal for carrying stuff on them. If you don't open the sunroof much then there's not much difference where you have them.

jetblk328i

I've got the bumper strips on the roof, no luck with sliding them then i guess.

So i will take and keep them off. After removing the crossbars on the early 99 models, what else should i do?

salimshah

You have the very early one. Lexus quickly discontinued the glued on bars as people put weight directly on them. The next version has the two long rails near the edge with slats going across. These slats are moveable.

Salim

jetblk328i

I see, so is removing the crossbars a good idea?

salimshah

Sorry! the glued on stuff runs the length (and not cross bars). Are you talking about removing them after so many years? Cross bars bridge the width and they are screwed down (either fixed or adjustable) to the rails [the rails run the length near the doors. If we are talking about the glued down stuff, I would consult a body shop. Due to fading from sun, your RX may have developed bra/vest-marks.

Post a picture if you can.

Salim

jetblk328i

Sorry if i was unclear, but i have no intentions on removing the bumper strips on the roof. I want to remove the cross bars that go across the width of the car. After screwing and sliding them out, what else should i do?