How to remove roof rack plastic cover thingy...

[chrisbruck]

See pic below... how do I remove this plastic cover without breaking it any more?

I was washing it yesterday and grabbed on it and cracked a hole in the backside pretty bad. Would like to remove and try to glue it back together. FSM didn't really have any info in it. It's an '04 too, I think the pre -03's had a different rack design.

 

[2001LC]

I've installed, but not removed. They've 4 tiny clips (yellow), plus pins (red) at back/inside end. You need to slide molding body back ~1/8". Then lift molding body as you pull forward/away from rack to unpin. The clips will be very brittle, and break very easy. So doing the job in the sun on very hot day, is best. Picture show a metal clip (blue). This is what you're pulling forward, against it's spring pressure. You may need to pry outward on body of molding to release the 4 clips.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

For mine, I wedged a trim tool inbetween the plastic base and rubber seal and just gently wiggled, working my way around, pushing upwards. Once you start to get a little gap you can be more aggressive.

 

[chrisbruck]

This is perfect, thanks!!!

Now if I can only get it off without cracking it anymore, haha.

 

[Bsherv87]

Side question… the base that it mounts to is pretty rough looking on my 2000 LX 470. Anyone know if these are available from the dealer? Is it even a separate piece?