Sealing Roof Rack on 2000 LX470 (photos)

[Agent T]

I have a serious water leak coming from the roof racking mounting bolts on my 2000 LX 470 and I'm having trouble finding any information on the best way to seal bolts. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Also, the trim piece around the base of the rack mounts needs replacing and I can't find the part. Ideas?

Thanks.

 

[sr5pickup]

Remove or Install Your Factory Roof Rack

Article by: RobRed Applicable Models: 1998 - 2007 / 100 Series Land Cruiser or Lx 470 Removal: 1. Remove the four corner Support Covers by gras

tlcfaq.com

 

[YardPig]

The roof rack parts are no longer available new. What parts do you need? The rubber foot to the roof skin or the plastic trim garnish? I have most parts here, although there are some differences through the years.

 

[scoutdog]

Butyl putty tape/sheet can be used to remake the o-ring seal. It's oftentimes used on RV's and other applications for sealing windows and vents against water intrusion.

Lexel is an elastomeric caulk that can be purchased at your local hardware store and has high elasticity and bonding strength.

A generous application of both of those should result in a strong seal for you.

 

[flintknapper]

Butyl putty tape/sheet can be used to remake the o-ring seal. It's oftentimes used on RV's and other applications for sealing windows and vents against water intrusion.

Lexel is an elastomeric caulk that can be purchased at your local hardware store and has high elasticity and bonding strength.

A generous application of both of those should result in a strong seal for you.

Agreed. Go to your local RV outlet and ask for a roll of 'Tacky-Tape'. The roof rack trim pieces (footings) are not available new, are different L/C vs LX470 and have some differences throughout the years.

 

[shtbrwn86]

Agreed. Go to your local RV outlet and ask for a roll of 'Tacky-Tape'. The roof rack trim pieces (footings) are not available new, are different L/C vs LX470 and have some differences throughout the years.

This stuff is awesome. I used it to seal my third brake light housing that was leaking pretty badly and no issues since. Super easy to work with too.

 

[flintknapper]

This stuff is awesome. I used it to seal my third brake light housing that was leaking pretty badly and no issues since. Super easy to work with too.

RV industry standard for doors, windows and vents for at least the last 40 years.

Anyplace you have a flange to seal and the sealant is not integral to the strength of the part (all it does is seal)...it is a good product.

 

[Agent T]

Thanks for all the great information. I'm hopeful I can just remove the driver side rack and reseal the two mounting points without too much damage to the rack. Does that sound reasonable? Will I have to remove the Roof Drip Finish Molding?

 

[RoughOne]

Used this to seal my roof rack bolts.

 

[TRLBOSS]

Remove bolt, coat in silicone of your choice, add some around the bolt hole, reinstall bolt. Worked for me.

 

[Camotubebender]

Before you put the headliner in I would suggest running a garden hose around on the roof to test for leaks, especially on the sunroof area-the pic showing the sunroof looks like it is either open part way or may need some adjustment?

 

[Agent T]

Before you put the headliner in I would suggest running a garden hose around on the roof to test for leaks, especially on the sunroof area-the pic showing the sunroof looks like it is either open part way or may need some adjustment?

Thanks for the advice. I agree, the sunroof looks like it's sitting a little low. However, I don't think the seal between the sunroof and the body is leaking at all as the drip trays are completely dry after running the hose. I believe the seal between the glass and the seal is leaking at the center seems in the hard plastic. I've applied some "fillable" glass silicone in hopes that is will stop. As for the roof rack, the sealing surface is very small on the mounting bolts, but I applied a generous amount of silicone and have let it set for 3 days due the cold weather. Tomorrow I will run the hose on the roof and see what happens. If it still leaks at the sunroof, then I'm going to replace the sunroof seal or sunroof/seal combo, not sure yet. If the roof rack bolts leak, then I'm going to have to find a better sealant. Lexel was my first choice for a sealant until I determined the seals on the roof rack are rubber...which is about the only thing Lexel doesn't stick to.

 

[Agent T]

Garden Hose test completed today. No leaks detected. Time to start rebuilding the interior.

 

[DrH]

The roof rack parts are no longer available new. What parts do you need? The rubber foot to the roof skin or the plastic trim garnish? I have most parts here, although there are some differences through the years.

Hey...Just found this post....do you have the rubber feet for a 2000 LX OEM roof rack? I really need 2 out of 4 but would love all 4 corners as well as all have some degredation. Please let me know if you may have what I need
Thanks
Dave