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Please Help With Factory Roof Rack Removal

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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 12:13 PM
  #1  
GamblySmurf's Avatar
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Default 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!
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 12:20 PM
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From: Bristol,Pa
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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.
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 12:32 PM
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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.
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Old Dec 11, 2008 | 01:50 PM
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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.
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Old Dec 12, 2008 | 08:41 PM
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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...
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Old Dec 12, 2008 | 09:43 PM
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Mine flew off one time when I hit it with one of the rails then just slide back into place.
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Old Dec 13, 2008 | 07:31 AM
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You going to sell that old rack? for cheap?
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Old Dec 13, 2008 | 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by dspenz
You going to sell that old rack? for cheap?

you lookin for one? just took mine off
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Old Dec 14, 2008 | 05:41 AM
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yeah I figured I could use two more crosss bars for mine to beef up support for my tire or camping gear
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 03:51 PM
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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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