Please Help With Factory Roof Rack Removal

GamblySmurf · 12-11-2008, 12:13 PM

Hello!

I recently purchased a 2001 Cherokee. I need to remove the factory roof rack so that I can install an aftermarket rack, but I am having difficulty with it.

I removed the screw holding in the end cap of the rail, but could not get the end cap off.

What am I missing?

Thanks!

OverlandXJ · 12-11-2008, 12:20 PM

Should be able to pull the endcap off, maybe try loosening the next screw in the track and see if it allows it to slide out.

GamblySmurf · 12-11-2008, 12:32 PM

I did loosen the next screw in the rail, but that didn't help. Something was still keeping the end cap from sliding off of the rail.

I was working on the rear end caps, because the screw holding in one of the front end caps seems to spin freely.

bhulty20 · 12-11-2008, 01:50 PM

there is just a little plastic clip like thing that holds that on. i had to take mine off too for aftermarket rack. i just wiggled them a lot and finally the little piece snapped and came off. broke it but it goes back on easily and you cant tell anything is wrong.

GamblySmurf · 12-12-2008, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhulty20

there is just a little plastic clip like thing that holds that on. i had to take mine off too for aftermarket rack. i just wiggled them a lot and finally the little piece snapped and came off. broke it but it goes back on easily and you cant tell anything is wrong.

There has to be a better way than breaking it...

finneys98xj · 12-12-2008, 09:43 PM

Mine flew off one time when I hit it with one of the rails then just slide back into place.

dspenz · 12-13-2008, 07:31 AM

You going to sell that old rack? for cheap?

bowmanco05 · 12-13-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dspenz

You going to sell that old rack? for cheap?

you lookin for one? just took mine off

dspenz · 12-14-2008, 05:41 AM

yeah I figured I could use two more crosss bars for mine to beef up support for my tire or camping gear

Rideski · 12-27-2008, 03:51 PM

I have a similar question, found this site off google search.

I already own Thule load bars and feet to fit rain gutter. Actually had them on for a couple years with ski rack but took them off as ski rack was old. Would like to buy new rack or probably box, and wondering if I should remove the factory racks in place of the load bars.

One problem I had with both the load bars and fact. racks up there was air whistling at highway speed.

Wondering if:
A: Thule load bars on feet in the rain gutters is more secure from theft prevention?
B: If, with the fact. racks removed, and rack/box removed for season if there will be no whistling with only one set of bars up there vs the two sets I had for a while?
C: Better load capacity and strength from the aftermarket bars?

Side q, anyone have a Thule Assent box they want to sell?

Thanks

12-11-2008, 12:13 PM	#1
GamblySmurf Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 48 My Photos	Please Help With Factory Roof Rack Removal Hello! I recently purchased a 2001 Cherokee. I need to remove the factory roof rack so that I can install an aftermarket rack, but I am having difficulty with it. I removed the screw holding in the end cap of the rail, but could not get the end cap off. What am I missing? Thanks!

12-11-2008, 01:50 PM	#4
bhulty20 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 598 My Photos 1999 Cherokee Year: 1999 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 W/powertrax locker Tires: 33x12.5 Procomp Mud Xtremes Lift Specifications: 4 inch Skyjacker Misc Accessories: SYE, Tom Woods DS, 3 pairs hella lights, One pair facing back, ProFlow Exhaust, Surco Rack	there is just a little plastic clip like thing that holds that on. i had to take mine off too for aftermarket rack. i just wiggled them a lot and finally the little piece snapped and came off. broke it but it goes back on easily and you cant tell anything is wrong. __________________ - 1999 Black XJ - lifted - 33x12.5 Procomp Mud Xtremes - Surco Rack - 3 Pairs of Hella's - PowerTrax Locker - Pro Flow Exhaust - SYE - Custom rock rails - Rockcrusher diff covers - JKS disco's - Trimmed fenders - Herculined interior and rockers

12-12-2008, 09:43 PM	#6
finneys98xj CF Veteran Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,637 My Photos 1993 Cherokee Year: 1993 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Transmission: AX-15 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chry. 8.25 Tires: 215/75 R15 with canyon wheels Lift Specifications: stock Misc Accessories: Cell Phone	Mine flew off one time when I hit it with one of the rails then just slide back into place. __________________ RIP Heep!1998-2008) Her last stand! http://www.cherokeeforum.com/showthr...3996#post83996 Her Replacement. http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/big-stinky-9651/ www.cherokeetalk.com Tell them finney98xj sent you. I rather be Stroked than Rammed and I dont do Bowties!

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12-11-2008, 12:20 PM	#2
OverlandXJ ::CF Moderator:: Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bristol,Pa Posts: 2,578 My Photos 94 Cherokee Year: 94 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L Transmission: AW-4 Transfer Case: NP242 w/SYE Front Axle: D30 4:56 gearing Rear Axle: D44 4:56,lockrite,discs Tires: 33x10.5 BFG MT Lift Specifications: RE Longarm w/Claytons crossmember Misc Accessories: Rack,Snorkel,Winch,Bumpers,OD/Camo,RTT	Should be able to pull the endcap off, maybe try loosening the next screw in the track and see if it allows it to slide out.

12-11-2008, 12:32 PM	#3
GamblySmurf Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 48 My Photos	I did loosen the next screw in the rail, but that didn't help. Something was still keeping the end cap from sliding off of the rail. I was working on the rear end caps, because the screw holding in one of the front end caps seems to spin freely.

12-13-2008, 07:31 AM	#7
dspenz Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 3 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 6cyl 4 litr	You going to sell that old rack? for cheap?

12-14-2008, 05:41 AM	#9
dspenz Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 3 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 6cyl 4 litr	yeah I figured I could use two more crosss bars for mine to beef up support for my tire or camping gear

12-27-2008, 03:51 PM	#10
Rideski Newbie Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Denver Posts: 2 My Photos 2001 Cherokee Year: 2001 Model: Cherokee	I have a similar question, found this site off google search. I already own Thule load bars and feet to fit rain gutter. Actually had them on for a couple years with ski rack but took them off as ski rack was old. Would like to buy new rack or probably box, and wondering if I should remove the factory racks in place of the load bars. One problem I had with both the load bars and fact. racks up there was air whistling at highway speed. Wondering if: A: Thule load bars on feet in the rain gutters is more secure from theft prevention? B: If, with the fact. racks removed, and rack/box removed for season if there will be no whistling with only one set of bars up there vs the two sets I had for a while? C: Better load capacity and strength from the aftermarket bars? Side q, anyone have a Thule Assent box they want to sell? Thanks

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