Just removed the roof rail cross bars…

[mm9351]

My GX550 came fitted with the port optioned cross bars which also added $440 to the bottom line. Didn’t want them but as you know you get them anyway, with a lot of other stuff Lexus pushes out as PIOs.

For me, I have 4 reasons to remove them,
1. Wind noise. 2. Added height. 3. Not carrying cargo on the roof. 4. Looks more streamlined without them.

Helpful Tips: If you decide to remove them, pay attention that the front and rear bars have different mounting patterns but have the same bar code numbers. I marked each with a magic marker ‘F’ and ‘R’ for future reference. Also the T30 torx bolts use washers for the front bar and no washers on the rear bar. I thought it would be best to reinstall the bolts in the roof rails to keep the thread clean and prevent losing them. They actually include a simple torque wrench with the kit. Finally, I found the snap-in plastic caps kind of tricky to remove. Suggest you use a plastic molding trim tool to prevent damage to the rails. Hope this helps!

 

[nopantz]

Mine came with the tool (built in torque?) and the trim tool, with one page of instructions.

 

[nmazz22]

Is there a noticeable difference with the wind sound?

 

[mm9351]

Honestly, wind noise with the cross rails mounted was not that bad, only noticeable on highways under windy conditions. Now it’s barely noticeable but keep in mind the vehicle is a “brick”, not aerodynamic by any means.

 

[nmazz22]

Yeah I haven’t noticed the noise too much on mine. Figured any noise was because of the windshield.

 

[Jesse H]

Is there a noticeable difference with the wind sound?

At highway speeds it was definitely noticeable and sounded like driving through a cross wind of ~30 mph. With the crossbars removed it's how it should be for a 5500 lb brick at 80 mph.

 

[SwampYankee88]

Mine came with the tool (built in torque?) and the trim tool, with one page of instructions.

This is super helpful. I'm picking up my GX tomorrow and will try to make sure I get these 2 tools. Sounds like the trim tool is helpful in preventing scratching the cross bars and even the rails themselves.

 

[JPE]

Mine also came with the two tool and a page of instructions in a plastic zip-lock bag. My question is if I remove the roof rails (not planning on doing that but maybe in the future) are there suppose to be any plastic caps that are included with the tools for covering up anything on the roof rails? I'm guessing not, but wanted to make sure because I didn't get any trim pieces that may have come off the roof rails to install the crossbars.

 

[nopantz]

Mine also came with the two tool and a page of instructions in a plastic zip-lock bag. My question is if I remove the roof rails (not planning on doing that but maybe in the future) are there suppose to be any plastic caps that are included with the tools for covering up anything on the roof rails? I'm guessing not, but wanted to make sure because I didn't get any trim pieces that may have come off the roof rails to install the crossbars.

No. I removed the factory rails on my OT+ to install the Victory roof rack. You would have 12 holes in the roof, which you can plug up with RTV silicone and see about replacing the rubber rain gutter cover with a full length piece. If you want the svelte look:

Full list of roof rack options and preferences

I've collected the following list - am I missing any? Do you have any preferences on a full rack for an OT with regular moonroof? I'm looking to ditch my crossbars for better traction board and ski mounts (eying the Kuat Grip 4 or 6). Maybe I'd throw a box or shovel up there some day, but not...

www.lexusgxforum.com

 

[Jesse H]

Roof Rack Removal?

Just took posssession of a 2024 Lexus GX550 Luxury+. Drove home (to Connecticut) from Charlotte yesterday. The dealer delivered the vehicle with a roof rack and I am puzzled about how to remove it. Any guidance in this forum or other sources?

www.lexusgxforum.com

If you're only removing the cross bars no holes will need to be covered up.

 

[JPE]

Roof Rack Removal?

Just took posssession of a 2024 Lexus GX550 Luxury+. Drove home (to Connecticut) from Charlotte yesterday. The dealer delivered the vehicle with a roof rack and I am puzzled about how to remove it. Any guidance in this forum or other sources?

www.lexusgxforum.com

If you're only removing the cross bars no holes will need to be covered up.

Thanks - only removing the cross bars is what I might do in the future.

 

[SROak]

Helpful Tips: If you decide to remove them

I'd like to move these cross bars closer to the front and rear of the roof racks. Is that possible?
Actually, I can't see how or where to take these cross bars off. Any suggestions or photos on how to get them loose?

 

[Zaki6]

I removed the cross bars from the original roof rack on my OT+ and now I can see small holes on the inside of the roof racks where the cross bars fit.
Are there any specific plugs for these holes? What have you done to plug them?
Thanks in advance!

 

[SROak]

I removed the cross bars from the original roof rack on my OT+

@Zaki6 - does that mean the cross bars cannot be moved to other locations on the roof racks?

 

[Zaki6]

@Zaki6 - does that mean the cross bars cannot be moved to other locations on the roof racks?

Correct. The cross bars have two prongs where they fit on the roof rack at each attachment point. These correspond with two holes on the inside of the roof rack.

 

[Zaki6]

On a hunch I took a picture of the two holes at each attachment point and guess what? The hole are sealed from the inside about a 1/4 inch deep from the opening!
No need to worry about sealing them up with anything. No water can get in.

 

[richardg]

I put a small piece of black electrical tape over area with the holes. It creates a good seal and is largely unnoticeable (except with a bright light focused on it).

 

[Zaki6]

I put a small piece of black electrical tape over area with the holes. It creates a good seal and is largely unnoticeable (except with a bright light focused on it).

There’s no need for the tape since those holes are actually just depressions and not really holes.

 

[richardg]

Cool. I assumed they were threaded back when I did this . - at least they’ll be clean when I put rack back on.

 

[Jay550]

For the love of Pete! I can't get the plastic covers off. Well, I actually got one off but it came at the price of damaging it. I had the GX in for the 10,000 mile service today and asked them to show me how it is done. They were also not able to get them off...even with a trim tool. They wanted me to set up a new appointment so that if they break them, they would get replaced at no charge. I have two requests.
1. Please post a picture of the trim tool that came with your GX. I have the torque wrench and plastic covers but did not see the trim tool.
2. Post a video of yourself using the tool to take the cover off.

I know these are big asks, so for your trouble, I'll buy you a beer next time you are in Minneapolis. And you can also know that my family will think of you each time we hit the freeway with out the extra wind noise that the cross bars generate.