[JuneBug]

Thanks for the write-up and the excellent pictures! I left the rails and just removed the crossbars. Less wind noise, and it's easier to wash and wax the roof. Plus, I can always put 'em back when needed.

 

[Carbon]

When you pry off the covers, it is important to not pry upward initially. Instead, you need to slip something under and pry outward -- toward the horizon-- before lifting. You will need something that can hook the edge to pull outward.

 

[wing_woo]

I just removed my crossbars just now. I was able to pry the outside tab that is closest to the rail by hand and slide a small jewelry flathead under the outside to pop out the rear tab. Then I was able to lift it by hand and swing the whole piece towards the center and up and the inner tabs popped off. So, I only had to use a small flathead screwdriver for one tab only. I had a towel on the roof of the Rav to make sure that I didn't scratch the roof. Just saying I was able to do it without damaging anything and didn't have to use any special tools. However, the hardest part is being able to pry off the first tab by hand.

 

[Drut]

Oh yeah...That's how I want it to look. The rack, (if you don't use it) just makes the Rav look too tall for its width especially from the back. Much more aero looking. I'll leave the rack on my wifes car.

 

[eitingon]

I had removed mine because I like the car better without it. However, I re-installed the roof rack as I have needed it on several occasions (to carry 2x4s and a Thule roof box). I have all of the parts needed to do the roof rack delete for sale if somebody wants them (bolts, brackets, and covers). PM me if interested.

 

[irsa76]

I'm planning on adding either the OE roof rails off ebay or a heavy duty track mount system.

 

[larry c]

Re: Rav4.3 roof rails

Hi,

I noticed some people prefer their Rav4 without the roof rails on it.

I would be interested to buy a used roof rails / bars from someone who doesn't need theirs anymore. I could trade in the 'fillers' that you need to plug the bare attach points.

Let me know!

Thanks.

i will be removing mine nea future will get back to you to see if you need them. larry c

 

[billc]

Does anyone have the part numbers for the shorter screws, cover bracket, and cover that I will need when I remove the roof racks on my 2011 Rav4 ?

 

[JuneBug]

Does anyone have the part numbers for the shorter screws, cover bracket, and cover that I will need when I remove the roof racks on my 2011 Rav4 ?

Sure, just go back to post #20 in this very thread.

 

[djb383]

I know this is an old "crossbar removal" thread but I wanted to say thanks to cougar548 for the excellent pics (pics are worth 1K words), JuneBug for the roof rack PDF and Carbon for the caution about pulling the base of the cover "out 1st, then up" on the covers.

After seeing all of the above, I thought maybe a paint can lid remover tool might work......sure 'nuff, worked like a charm. Started on rear cover toward front of car, got the tool under the cover, gently pulled out, then up and gradually worked toward the rear, pulling out/up and off it came. In maybe 5 minutes, rear covers off, crossbars gone and covers back on. Thanks again. (Took the dummy, me, a lot longer to search for the "how to" than it did to do the actual crossbar removal, LOL)

 

[Pops1]

Many, Many Thanks.Thanks to you mine's now off. I did it last weekend. Was easy after knowing how. Thanks again, Mike

 

[mrbill5]

Did my 2010 this morning. Used the paint can tool to pop the covers. No suprises. It will be much easier to wash and clean snow from the roof from now on. Should have removed it 2 years ago.

 

[DRA6N]

If anybody wants to part with theirs Im wanting some!

 

[Pops1]

roof rack

I've still got one I removed from 2011base model. Bars, rails, brackets, etc. Everything that was up there. Still in plastic bags from the day I removed it. Notneeded. Never used, fine shape. Available. Contact through here.

 

[JamesStoddart]

So I spent the morning taking off the roof rack and thought I would share my thoughts and pictures with all of you in case you are looking for this information. First, I purchased the following parts from my Toyota dealership for a total of $61.36 w/tax:

( 4 ) 75596-02020 - Cover, Roof Drip
( 8 ) 90119-08C47 - Bolt, W/Washer
( 4 ) 63185-42020 - Bracket, Roof Rack

The first step in removing the rack is to pry off the covers.

Once the covers are removed you will see two bolts. (I had to use a 12mm socket to remove.)

Once all bolts are removed you can then remove the rails and then install the brackets. There is an arrow on the bracket that should end up pointing to the inside of the vehicle.

Next screw in the new shorter bolts with a 10mm socket.

Then snap on the roof drip covers. The arrow on the cover should be pointing towards the front of the vehicle.

Once all four are done you are left with this!

Before:

After:

(Turns out I was missing the center drip molding on the driver side but because it's still under
warranty they are going to get me a new one for free.)

If anyone has any questions, let me know. I hope you enjoy it and I know that I love the new look!

 

[JamesStoddart]

Would you be able to supply any further images of the removal process? Prying off the covers seems like a destructive process and I will want to reinstall them again in the future. Best regards, James.

 

[DL175]

Would you be able to supply any further images of the removal process? Prying off the covers seems like a destructive process and I will want to reinstall them again in the future. Best regards, James.

This video show how to remove the cross bars: