Roof rack screw head drill out help (1 Viewer)

[missinglink]

Hi guys,

Almost all of the screws on my roof rack are seized to the bolt. Was trying to drill out the head with brand new dewalt drill bits but it just isn't happening. Any recommendations on how to get these things out?

Thanks in advance.

 

[thedoughboy]

Have you tried using a small bit first, like 3/32's? After you get a tap slowly step the bit up until you remove the head of the screw. Yank the rack, spray the screw shaft with penetrating lube, wait a day, and remove with vise grips. Mine were the same way. I didn't have to use the penetrating oil and vise grips as the rust was bad enough I just pull the nut-sert out of the roof.

Just for the record: I felt kind of weird typing that

 

[missinglink]

you don't say nut-serts in your day to day?! thanks for the advice, trying it again now.

 

[bicycleagent003]

If those screws and holes are that bad, I suggest pulling out the 8 screws that hold down the roof rail end pieces, and the 6 screws that hold down the air wing on the top of the lift gate. You might have a lot of rust to contend with, but it's only to get worse with neglect. Sorry. I wish Toyota had not allowed the port monkeys to put any of those holes in my rig, either.