razor02097

Did that darn button pop out last time you repositioned your roof rack rail?

Yeah mine did too. I decided to do something to fix it and I would like to share it with you.



This is a write up on how to fix that stupid button once and for all. First off why does it pop out in the first place? The answer is on the top of the button is a plastic tab that breaks off rather easily. What happens usually is the roof rack rails are not moved for a long long time and when you push the button to move them the plastic tab is brittle enough to break once released causing the button to fly forward...forever broken


First what you will need...

From left to right... One broken button, one heavy paper clip, one hand operated drill or drill bit with tape you can operate with your fingers (you want the size to be the same as your paper clip diameter), and finally needle nose pliers.


STEP #1

Drill the hole on the top



You want the hole to be about the place the tab broke off. You may have to angle the drill bit to start then straighten it out to drill down. You want to drill down about half an inch.

Here is the hole finished.



STEP #2

Fit the paper clip.
NOTE: use the straight sides of the paper clip if you use a part you straightened it will not be as strong.




Step #3

Trim the feet.

This step enables you to install the button easier



Cut the ears down and if you want to be neat you can file the rough edges but it isn't necessary.

STEP #4

Cut the paper clip to size.
This is really up to you but I cut mine fairly long. Refer to the photo to judge what you application might need.




Step #5

Installation

Fabricate the following tool to ease your installation...



it is just made of a paper clip. You bend most of it straight then a half inch in make a 90' bend.

Next you want to pull the lock pin up and move the rack to a spot on the rail that it doesn't latch. In other words between the indexing spots.

Install your button as shown in the photo.



Use your tool to coax the metal tab on the button's "shelf" in other words you want that tab to rest in the middle of the button.

Here is a completed photo.



Congrats! You have repaired your roof rack indexing button! Now you can crack open a cold one and nurse that finger you managed to pinch in your pliers

razor02097

Well it's been almost a year since I did this fix on 2 of the buttons. Still holding up great!

razor02097

I fixed the photo links in the original post. Rack buttons are still holding up great after 3 years of occasional use.

Bluebyu

I missing one of my buttons. If I had it Id do this

Sonoma Country

I suppose the same could be done for the 2 on the bottom of the button as well? All three have broken off on all 4 of my buttons.