bobbykirkham

I have a brand new Pro5 with the roof rack. I noticed that the manual doesn't explain how to remove the rack and install the flat pieces. Actually I have a Thule rack system and I want to put on a Thule foot/fit kit, but Thule doesn't have the specs yet 'coz it's too new. Anybody know how to get the rack off so that I can experiment???

Thanx

skyhawk174

I recall someone posted a thread that had pics showing the whole process. What the guy did was remove the rack completely and made it look like the Canadian version. Sorry I have not figured out how to post a link to the thread but if you do a search for roof rack it will probably come up.

dhype55

Not sure if this Helps

But I just picked up and installed the Canadian Roof Rack today. Made by Thule and comes complete with foot beds and all mounting pieces.

I guess you have to rip out the US side racks to access the mounting tabs in the gutter.

The rack cost me $220 + tax, so that likes $140 US i guess.

bobbykirkham

I'm still looking for the directions on how to remove the rack. I unscrew the 4 Phillips screws and it gets real loose, but every way I tug it it doesn't seem to come clean. I don't want to force it. Man, you'd think Mazda would give you directions for this if they give you the other pieces. The guys at the dealership said they have not had to do this yet, so they scratched their heads and changed the subject. I couldn't find previous posts on this subject.

mopho

My car came with the directions for the rack in the glovebox. I have not looked at them yet, since I want the rack on.

JJB

If you are looking to just remove the cross members on the rack then it is pretty simple. Take the four screws out (sounds like you already did). These just hold the plastic covers on to the top of the cross bars. Pull up on them and they will pop out. Once you have the plastic tops off you will need a 12mm (I think) socket. Pull the four bolts that are now exposed.

Once that is done the front one should come out with a little pulling (there is a clip in there still holding it that pops as you pull up).

On the back one you now need to pop out the trim pieces at the front and rear of the rails. Getting the back piece out is a little tricky and I have not yet discovered a smooth way to do it. They are both held by clips. Once those are out slide out the adjustable keeper for the bolt.

Put all the loose parts bolts, tabs, and keepers in a bag you will not loose and then install the four plastic blanks that came with the car in the now open areas for a cleaner look.

If you are looking to see what the attachments points are like then you don't have to take out the rear trim pieces as the bar comes off whilst the keepers are still in the track.

I'll see if I can find the directions (they were in the glove box with my owners manual when the car was new) and scan them in.

JDMstuff

There was a large poster sized instruction sheet that came with my car in the glove also. Just take the screws off the plastic caps to expose the bolts on the crossbeams. You should have also received the caps that go on the rails as well. They are marked left and right/front and rear. It's very simple. I'd scan a copy of the poster for you, but my scanner isn't big enough.

bobbykirkham

You guys have helped considerably. My '02 Pro5 didn't have anything in the glove box. That explains why it's not in the manual. It's too dark outside for me to go play with your instructions, but I'm gonna jump on that tommorrow after work.
I have an existing Thule system, bike carriers, canoe carriers, etc. I want to figure out if my old track foot kits will work in the Pro5's tracks when I take the factory feet and cross-bars off. Nothing is easy, Man!

JJB

One thing to look out for is that the P5 stock racks do not have rails at the front only at the back. The front set up is a fixed attachement point w/o rails for the brace to sit in.