I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Note I also have "HYBRID" emblems and logotype. All free from the dealer...well, after spending so much cash on this baby,they better throw in a few measely emblems,eh?
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
Full Version: Roof Rack Removal Photos
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 15 2006, 04:37 PM) [snapback]219124[/snapback]
I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
Not for me...but if you like it that is all that matters! Thanks for sharing the pics!!!
same, i feel that the car looks better with the rood racks but its your opinion that counts.
QUOTE(Rx330driver @ Dec 15 2006, 09:10 PM) [snapback]219152[/snapback]
same, i feel that the car looks better with the rood racks but its our opinion that counts.
I can respect that of course....It's such a great car that we should all just be happy we have one,eh? Have a great day Lexers! I do agree that at least the racks are done with a sleek and elegant design, I can go either way and right now I love my Princess without but like a hair do...I can always go back!. Hooray for our differences, eh? Your RX400h buddy, Rey
Great contribution, Ray. I actually like it better "bald" too, but may leave mine on for the very unlikely possibility that I might use it. Or I may just be too lazy to remove it.
Tom
Tom
QUOTE(Gryphon @ Dec 16 2006, 01:54 AM) [snapback]219187[/snapback]
Great contribution, Ray. I actually like it better "balk" too, but may leave mine on for the very unlikely possibility that I might use it. Or I may just be too lazy to remove it.
Tom
I understand Tom, it took me a year to get the courage to do it but as I said, it's all just personal preferences like color,wheels,etc. My last car was a PT Cruiser and it was made to accessorize so I still had the "bug" to change things on my car. I teach at the Art Center College of Design where we produce some of the best car designers in the world so I am surrounded by clever leavers as far as how cars look. Anyway,it's all fun. Our cars are often an extension of our personalities and I am just glad to have such a great car made by such a far thinking company. Happy Holidays and I wish you all peace and love, Rey in sunny L.A.
Oops, meant "bald," not "balk."
Happy holidays to you as well Ray.
Tom
Happy holidays to you as well Ray.
Tom
RXREY!!!
im so sorry, i just reread my post, i meant to say its "YOUR" OPINION THAT COUNTS. wow i must have came out as being an ass
appologies
im so sorry, i just reread my post, i meant to say its "YOUR" OPINION THAT COUNTS. wow i must have came out as being an ass
appologies
QUOTE(Rx330driver @ Dec 16 2006, 10:33 PM) [snapback]219263[/snapback]
RXREY!!!
im so sorry, i just reread my post, i meant to say its "YOUR" OPINION THAT COUNTS. wow i must have came out as being an ass
appologies
Yes. I thought at first that it was a bit harsh since I wasn't tellling anyone that they HAD to take off the rack but then I figured that it was't meant the way it was written so don't worry. Thanks for the clarification though. At least now if anyone is even considering removing the roof rack there is a picture of mine to help in deciding. Have a great holiday season and many blessings to you and your family and friends. Rey
didn't you have to tape over the holes or something that were left? I'm about to have the dealer take ours off as it rattles like crazy on the highway. They already replaced the center pieces and they are still lose.
QUOTE(Robl45 @ Dec 20 2006, 10:25 PM) [snapback]219783[/snapback]
didn't you have to tape over the holes or something that were left? I'm about to have the dealer take ours off as it rattles like crazy on the highway. They already replaced the center pieces and they are still lose.
I was proud of this....check this out....I took a magazine holder,the kind that you might see or find at STAPLES for holding magazines that you want to keep on a bookshelf. Well I found one that was made out of thin but sturdy,satin black plastic material that matched the black runners really well. I measured the slots left behind and with a utility knife cut the four pieces (they were about 1 3/8" X 4 3/8"). The ones in the back are slightly longer by the way. Anywho, because the pieces that I cut are plastic I was able to create a curvature to match the black satin bars imbedded on our car....with me still? I'm trying to be as clear as I can be...so then I used the 3M automotive tape to secure them down and I'll tell you, people have been impressed. It's not "custom shop" smooth but "Boy Scout" clever and it worked really well. Only Lexus folks might see what I did! I'd take a picture but you wouldn't be able to tell....I have the pieces on in the photos that I have included and from those,there's no way that you could tell. You'd have to get on my Nerf Bars to see what I did. I just like figuring things out myself and I LOVE the car without the racks more and more. I just added two more pictures (above)) to show you the way the roof looks after I added the plastic pieces to cover the bracket slots left behind from taking off the roof rack. I hope this helps, Rey
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Bob, it's too early still for an MPG evaluation. I've gotten 26.1 "real" combined MPG(rated 29hwy/34city?) for the one year(Jan3-06-Dec-23-06) that I've had this great machine but I will wait a few months to see if there is any change. I am very meticulous about keepng track of mileage,the on board computer is biased, so I do the math myself. If there's a difference, I'll know, trust me. It will probably be minimal but since I just didn't like the rack, I hadn't even considered that aspect. Interestingly though,when the EPA makes its ratings on the our RX 400h,330 and 350 they do it without the roof rack! I believe they use a 98lb jockey as well but that's just my theory. Wind noise? I was on one of our L.A. freeways today,went 90MPH (easy to do in this jet!) for a little while and it IS quieter, afterall, it is an object on the roof! But then, I felt that it was pretty quiet before...so that too was minimal,but every little bit counts. I have the standard Goodyear tires on and will switch to Michelins when the time comes. I feel that Michelins are better tires and more quiet , but I will take advice from anyone that knows better than I would about that. I have a long way to go before I change tires, I only put 10K miles a year on my car so I have time to research them. I'll make sure I post my MPG findings in around summer of 2007 to give it at least 6 months. Happy driving, Rey
I'll also be interested in your mpg numbers without the roof rack. You'd expect that they would be better, but its possible that you might actually get worse numbers without the rack. Clearly without the roof rack you should have lower drag, but that is not always a good thing.
The roof is an area of low pressure just like the top of an airplane wing, as a result it tends to lift the car off the road resulting in slightly less traction. Turbulence from the roof rack could result in less of the Bernoulli effect. Also the roof rack could create turbulence that would tend to spill over the back of the RX and fill in the partial vacuum created there at highway speeds. This vacuum "sucks" the car back and really lowers mpg at high speed.
While I suspect slightly better mileage, it could go either way.
I have always been disappointed that Toyota didn't do more to enhance the aerodynamics of the RX-400. Changes on the tall, blocky RX-330 here would have made much more difference than does the streamlining of the much smaller Prius.
BTW: I really like the no rack roof look and am thinking about doing. You don't happen to have a link to the magazine rack that you used or its SKU number?
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Bob, it's too early still for an MPG evaluation. I've gotten 26.1 "real" combined MPG(rated 29hwy/34city?) for the one year(Jan3-06-Dec-23-06) that I've had this great machine but I will wait a few months to see if there is any change. I am very meticulous about keepng track of mileage,the on board computer is biased, so I do the math myself. If there's a difference, I'll know, trust me. It will probably be minimal but since I just didn't like the rack, I hadn't even considered that aspect. ... Rey
The roof is an area of low pressure just like the top of an airplane wing, as a result it tends to lift the car off the road resulting in slightly less traction. Turbulence from the roof rack could result in less of the Bernoulli effect. Also the roof rack could create turbulence that would tend to spill over the back of the RX and fill in the partial vacuum created there at highway speeds. This vacuum "sucks" the car back and really lowers mpg at high speed.
While I suspect slightly better mileage, it could go either way.
I have always been disappointed that Toyota didn't do more to enhance the aerodynamics of the RX-400. Changes on the tall, blocky RX-330 here would have made much more difference than does the streamlining of the much smaller Prius.
BTW: I really like the no rack roof look and am thinking about doing. You don't happen to have a link to the magazine rack that you used or its SKU number?
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 23 2006, 09:34 PM) [snapback]220106[/snapback]
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Bob, it's too early still for an MPG evaluation. I've gotten 26.1 "real" combined MPG(rated 29hwy/34city?) for the one year(Jan3-06-Dec-23-06) that I've had this great machine but I will wait a few months to see if there is any change. I am very meticulous about keepng track of mileage,the on board computer is biased, so I do the math myself. If there's a difference, I'll know, trust me. It will probably be minimal but since I just didn't like the rack, I hadn't even considered that aspect. ... Rey
QUOTE(markatty @ Jan 1 2007, 11:09 AM) [snapback]221171[/snapback]
I'll also be interested in your mpg numbers without the roof rack. You'd expect that they would be better, but its possible that you might actually get worse numbers without the rack. Clearly without the roof rack you should have lower drag, but that is not always a good thing.
The roof is an area of low pressure just like the top of an airplane wing, as a result it tends to lift the car off the road resulting in slightly less traction. Turbulence from the roof rack could result in less of the Bernoulli effect. Also the roof rack could create turbulence that would tend to spill over the back of the RX and fill in the partial vacuum created there at highway speeds. This vacuum "sucks" the car back and really lowers mpg at high speed.
While I suspect slightly better mileage, it could go either way.
I have always been disappointed that Toyota didn't do more to enhance the aerodynamics of the RX-400. Changes on the tall, blocky RX-330 here would have made much more difference than does the streamlining of the much smaller Prius.
BTW: I really like the no rack roof look and am thinking about doing. You don't happen to have a link to the magazine rack that you used or its SKU number?
RESPONSE to MARKATTY, fom RXREY (Rey Bustos),
No, I just looked around the house until I found something that would work. If I hadn't found that I would have gone to Home Depot or some such place and found something to fill that opening. I tend to do what I want first and then figure out what to do next. It's a little risky but I guess that's why I've always been successful, hehee. You know what I mean though, don't you? About the magazine holder? It's an empty box with an opening on the front 3/4? They are about 4" wide and fit about 15 magazines? I've seen them at Staples and other office supply stores, the plastic ones are perfect. If anything,until you find the right thing you can just put electrical tape over the 1X4" slot and no one will know, until you find the right object to put in there. I really like the car more and more without the rack and I've always liked having something just a little different. I suppose if none of the RXs came with a rack, I'd have one on! I'm silly that way. Anyway,people say nice things and they can't put their finger on it but they say that my RX (besides always being spotless) looks better than the others they've seen....it's our little secret..only RX folk would know. I also have chrome nerf bars so that along with the lack of the roof rack makes it look lower and sportier. To each his own,right? About the MPGs...still haven't even gone one tank so no difference either way so far but as I said,in six months,I'll know. I didn't consider that in that I just didn't like the darned thing and with gas going over the $3 soon it's so expensive anyway, I can cut down tremendously in other ways in my business to not have that matter as much. I will not stop enjoying driving...dammit! Keep me posted and I'll help in any way that I can. Toodle-loo and have a great new year. Rey,the Anatomy Nut in L.A.
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 23 2006, 09:34 PM) [snapback]220106[/snapback]
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Bob, it's too early still for an MPG evaluation. I've gotten 26.1 "real" combined MPG(rated 29hwy/34city?) for the one year(Jan3-06-Dec-23-06) that I've had this great machine but I will wait a few months to see if there is any change. I am very meticulous about keepng track of mileage,the on board computer is biased, so I do the math myself. If there's a difference, I'll know, trust me. It will probably be minimal but since I just didn't like the rack, I hadn't even considered that aspect. ... Rey
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 15 2006, 03:37 PM) [snapback]219124[/snapback]
I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Note I also have "HYBRID" emblems and logotype. All free from the dealer...well, after spending so much cash on this baby,they better throw in a few measely emblems,eh?
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
Might try that too ... looks nice and yea, how oftem does anyone really carry so much junk that you ever need the rack. Maybe it'll reduce the drag coefficiency :^) Did you add the running boards? We've been looking at the stock ones that look as though they're molded in to fit right into the body, matching the existing paint.
I did add the nerf bars. I actually did something silly, I bid on two sets on eBay and won both sets! So I have an extra set if you'd like them. One set,the ones on my car were new,the other set are used. I will probably try to sell them on ebay but if anyone wants them I'd ask $50 just to make sure I can ship them out to anyone that wants them. I do that every once in a while, bid on something and then find something a little better,in this case brand new ones instead of used, bid low thinking that I won't get them and then end up with two of something! I also have a grill guard that I thought would fit my 400h but it's for an RX330 or 350. I didn't realize then that the fronts are different! So,another mistake and another product sitting in my storage closet. I have seen the running boards that you want and they do look great. I personally like the chrome bars better but either way I like the look better than stock. Let me know if you do take off the rack and how it went. Rey
Hey RXREY,
How would I go about removing only the crossrails? I have been told locally that they cannot be removed but I find that hard to believe. Any help is greatly appreciated!
How would I go about removing only the crossrails? I have been told locally that they cannot be removed but I find that hard to believe. Any help is greatly appreciated!
QUOTE(Bogie-Rio @ Feb 18 2007, 10:07 AM) [snapback]227890[/snapback]
Hey RXREY,
How would I go about removing only the crossrails? I have been told locally that they cannot be removed but I find that hard to believe. Any help is greatly appreciated!
You can only take off the crossrails by taking off the whole rack. At least that's the way I saw it having taken off the whole thing. You actually have to slide them off of the end of the rack. Rey
Thanks so much for the reply! I'm not a very handy person, so I'm not sure I should even attempt a project such as this.
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
I was told by the lexus dealer that if you pop off the back plastic pieces, the crossrails will slide ride out. How hard was popping off the backplastic pieces?
Well, it made me a little nervous to try to take the corners off because they are really snug and,well, the car is really expensive right? I could only imagine a nightmarish image of trying to take off the rack and peeling the roof off like a smoked oyster tin...but I am the persistant type and get determined with everything that I do and the more I thought of the car without that silly rack, the more I really wanted it off! Once I pulled up,and as I mentioned before I wore gardeners gloves to give me more ability to pull without hrting my hands, I saw what it was fastened to...at least a little. It made me really nervous but I pulled the right rear up and pushed the corner back at the same time and it gave and it was off. Once I did one, the rest were easier in that I felt committed and more sure of myself. It's too difficult for me to describe the way it's attached but it's like a yellow toggle type pin...anyway,up and back...the front ones, up and forward and as I said,it doesn't feel like it will givve, but it will so stick with it. It wasn't meant to be easily taken off ya know! But, once the corners are off, it's easy. There are bolts holding each corner down and you just turn them off. they are tight but I used a ratchet...I think it was 1/2"...anyway... As I mentioned before I was left with four channels that I had to cover up they are approximately 1X4 inches and I put black satin plastic to fit and wide electrical tape over that and no one can see it unless you get on my nerf bars and look. Check out my pictures again. The pictures don't include the tape either so it looks even better now. I love it with a clean top. I'm getting mud guards for all four wheel wells next..they are on their way. I hope that i was able to help. let me know if you need more help or if more pictures might help. I should have taken pictures of the open slots left by the removal but ...well, be creative and fill the slots. Rey in L.A.
Sorry my reply was way too long winded and I just realized that you were only asking if I thought, as your dealer said, that by taking off the corners you can take off the cross bars? Hmm, I don't know about that...there is more to it than that. There's a screw at each corner preventing the cross bars from sliding all of the way out. I can do it but only because my whole rack is off. I'll have to look at the whole rack again and see if I would be able to do what you want, if my rack was still on my car now that I know about those screws. Make sense? I'd wait and either rethink the operation or perhaps let Lexus do it...(that gives me the willies to say)...but I'd hate to have you damage your car. See, once I decided to take off my rack, I no longer cared if by some chance I might damage the corner(s) or the rack...but you just want the cross bars off and I don't think it's worth what I had to go through for simply taking off the cross bars. See what I mean? Leave it as it is, leave them on or take the whole thing off is my advice. All or nothin'! Rey
Sorry my reply was way too long winded and I just realized that you were only asking if I thought, as your dealer said, that by taking off the corners you can take off the cross bars? Hmm, I don't know about that...there is more to it than that. There's a screw at each corner preventing the cross bars from sliding all of the way out. I can do it but only because my whole rack is off. I'll have to look at the whole rack again and see if I would be able to do what you want, if my rack was still on my car now that I know about those screws. Make sense? I'd wait and either rethink the operation or perhaps let Lexus do it...(that gives me the willies to say)...but I'd hate to have you damage your car. See, once I decided to take off my rack, I no longer cared if by some chance I might damage the corner(s) or the rack...but you just want the cross bars off and I don't think it's worth what I had to go through for simply taking off the cross bars. See what I mean? Leave it as it is, leave them on or take the whole thing off is my advice. All or nothin'! Rey
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
It's been about three months of being "bald" and I haven't noticed any difference good or bad on the mileage. I changed my tire pressure to 34 and the car feels better and that might make more of an impact on the mileage but it isn't going to be anything that will be written up in the science journals so I'd say..no, no noticeable change in MPGs. Rey
Feb 18 2007
Why in god's name would you remove the roof rack?
Was it purely for the look?
Was it for the "wind noise"?
Was it to be different?
Where do you store the roof rack?
Do you ever plan to put it back on?
What benefits have you gained by not having it on?
Was it purely for the look?
Was it for the "wind noise"?
Was it to be different?
Where do you store the roof rack?
Do you ever plan to put it back on?
What benefits have you gained by not having it on?
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 15 2006, 03:37 PM) [snapback]219124[/snapback]
I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Note I also have "HYBRID" emblems and logotype. All free from the dealer...well, after spending so much cash on this baby,they better throw in a few measely emblems,eh?
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
I dig your running boards ... that's next on the list of honey-do's.
Respnse to Jim......"Why I removed my roof rack, an essay by Rey Bustos"....It was purely because I really didn't like it one bit, I never used it, can't think of what I would throw up there that wouldn't fit inside the car (moose?). It was a good question and the answer is really just preference. Jim, when I took it off you can take it apart and it stores upright like skies. I didn't take it off to get better mileage, because it won't change that I am finding out. I did though, see a picture of a Harrier/RX330 in Europe that was a little lower and didn't have the rack and it just sealed the thought for me and I was thereafter on a mission to take the thing off. I really think it looks so beautiful "clean" but wouldn't tell people to do it unless they are sure. It wasn't easy to take off and you could do some damage to the rack or even the car and then there's no going back. I have the rack ,will keep it and when RXes are a little older, I have that and two steering wheels to sell. Yes, I put after market wood trim in my car, I bought a birds eye maple shifter and a wood/leather steering wheel for my "Princess". I was told at the time that the 400hes didn't come with the wood trim..which I thought was horrible. I hated the brushed aluminum and made it all wood and it is now fabulous. I drove a loaner 330 with a wooden steering wheel and I almost didn't want my car back after that with its leather only steering wheel so I went on eBay and got a wood/leather one. I am a nut that way. I also love the chrome nerf bars that I saw on on RX at the dealership so I went on eBay...(I have an extra pair if anyone wants them,they are used...I accidentally bid on two pair! silly me, I won both bids! ayayayayee...) . But again, it was personal preference...like the shoes that we buy. I did notice that the car is a wee bit quieter without the rack, a lot quieter on the highway without it, I mean it is afterall a THING on top of the car!.... but again, don't do it unless you were like me and hated the sight of it. So, it's a bit quieter and it looks cleaner....but then again this is such a "Rey" thing... I put a Beatles Sgt Pepper round decal on the back bumper and most people would shudder at the thought of a decal on their 50k car! But it's my "Princess", she's paid for and she makes me smile. Toodle-loo, Rey
QUOTE(Bogie-Rio @ Feb 18 2007, 10:07 AM) [snapback]227890[/snapback]
Hey RXREY,
How would I go about removing only the crossrails? I have been told locally that they cannot be removed but I find that hard to believe. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Rey Bustos here again...I just looked at my rack in my storage room and the person at Lexus that told you that you can take the corners off and slip off the cross bars was right, but let me add this; take only two of the corners off. As I said, this can be nerve racking (pardon the pun...) when you do take the two off,lets say, the back two, there will be a small 9mm screw facing laterally, the hexagonal head facing you....simply take the screws off, one on each side, and that will allow both cross bars to slide off. You won't have to take the whole rack off as I thought might be the case. Voila! Another case closed. Rey
QUOTE(RXREY @ Feb 19 2007, 03:30 PM) [snapback]228098[/snapback]
QUOTE(Bogie-Rio @ Feb 18 2007, 10:07 AM) [snapback]227890[/snapback]
Hey RXREY,
How would I go about removing only the crossrails? I have been told locally that they cannot be removed but I find that hard to believe. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Rey Bustos here again...I just looked at my rack in my storage room and the person at Lexus that told you that you can take the corners off and slip off the cross bars was right, but let me add this; take only two of the corners off. As I said, this can be nerve racking (pardon the pun...) when you do take the two off,lets say, the back two, there will be a small 9mm screw facing laterally, the hexagonal head facing you....simply take the screws off, one on each side, and that will allow both cross bars to slide off. You won't have to take the whole rack off as I thought might be the case. Voila! Another case closed. Rey
Strong work RXREY! I have taken 2 roof racks off previous cars and I also think they look better and are quiter. This is my wifes DD and she wants them on but she said I can take the cross bars off so I will! Thanks for posting your DIY!
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Three months, no difference in mileage numbers that I can tell. I did increase the tire PSI to 34 and feel that the car rides better and perhaps that might make a difference but I doubt that I'd be able to tell. So, no difference as far as I can see. Rey
QUOTE(RXREY @ Feb 22 2007, 09:40 AM) [snapback]228530[/snapback]
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
Three months, no difference in mileage numbers that I can tell. I did increase the tire PSI to 34 and feel that the car rides better and perhaps that might make a difference but I doubt that I'd be able to tell. So, no difference as far as I can see. Rey
Any difference in wind noice? I am going to take the crossbars off soon.
QUOTE(jditom @ Feb 22 2007, 01:28 PM) [snapback]228540[/snapback]
QUOTE(RXREY @ Feb 22 2007, 09:40 AM) [snapback]228530[/snapback]
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
No noticeable difference in regards to mileage but I feel it is much quieter especially on the freeways without the rack. It's just not anything that I even liked at all and it is an object on the roof, it will make some noise. It creates a little drag and since I like driving over 70 when I can,it does make a lot less wind noise...that's also why the NASCAR folks don't put roof racks on their cars,eh? Anway, just be sure that you want it off becuase it's a scary thing for me to have done...and I don't scare easily! Rey
Three months, no difference in mileage numbers that I can tell. I did increase the tire PSI to 34 and feel that the car rides better and perhaps that might make a difference but I doubt that I'd be able to tell. So, no difference as far as I can see. Rey
Any difference in wind noice? I am going to take the crossbars off soon.
QUOTE(RXREY @ Feb 22 2007, 02:24 PM) [snapback]228577[/snapback]
QUOTE(jditom @ Feb 22 2007, 01:28 PM) [snapback]228540[/snapback]
QUOTE(RXREY @ Feb 22 2007, 09:40 AM) [snapback]228530[/snapback]
QUOTE(Savanna400h @ Dec 23 2006, 08:02 PM) [snapback]220103[/snapback]
Hey Rey:
Did you see any impact on your gas mileage, especially at freeway speeds, after you removed the roof rack? How about a reduction in wind noise?
Thanks, Bob
No noticeable difference in regards to mileage but I feel it is much quieter especially on the freeways without the rack. It's just not anything that I even liked at all and it is an object on the roof, it will make some noise. It creates a little drag and since I like driving over 70 when I can,it does make a lot less wind noise...that's also why the NASCAR folks don't put roof racks on their cars,eh? Anway, just be sure that you want it off becuase it's a scary thing for me to have done...and I don't scare easily! Rey
Three months, no difference in mileage numbers that I can tell. I did increase the tire PSI to 34 and feel that the car rides better and perhaps that might make a difference but I doubt that I'd be able to tell. So, no difference as far as I can see. Rey
Any difference in wind noice? I am going to take the crossbars off soon.
Doh! It helps to read!
PS All the EPA and wind tunnel tests are done without a roof rack.
Wife won't let me take it off yet, but crossbars are going.
OK I got my cross bars out from the rear. Took off the plastic cover. As decribed above you have to pull up about 4 mm then pull back and it will come out. Squeezing low as you pull up will help.
Cross bars slide right out after you take out one screw.
I did break one plastic tab which I superglued in place them epoxied the base (stronger than before).
To make it easier to reinstall I pulled out the yellow plug and slide that into the cover then the whole piece just goes in with a snap.
PS It looks much better without, should be quieter at high speeds.
Cross bars slide right out after you take out one screw.
I did break one plastic tab which I superglued in place them epoxied the base (stronger than before).
To make it easier to reinstall I pulled out the yellow plug and slide that into the cover then the whole piece just goes in with a snap.
PS It looks much better without, should be quieter at high speeds.
Rey Bustos,lexus man in L.A. here again.. 4 months,still no difference in MPG withiout the roof rack. Maybe a touch better but I think it's because I have my tires at 36 PSI now instead of 30 or 32,whatever the deaer had them at...too low..anywho, It's hard to say but the point is, there's little differece and NOT a reason to take off the rack. I just didn't like the roof rack at all, my 400h looks great without it. I love this vehicle more and more as time goes by.
Rey Bustos, Lexus man in L.A., Five months and still no change in the MPGs so I think that's about it for that matter. But as I said,I didn't take the rack off for that reason but a lot of people asked about that so there it is. I think that Lexus is just the best car made...rack or no rack, great MPGs, great reliability...the list is long.
Rey Bustos, Lexus man in L.A.,I hope that you all compare the old Good Years with my new Toyo tires as seen on the other post. RB
I seem to be losing MPGs after the new Toyo tires, so I'll keep my eyes on that data. I have never felt any change in MPG from taking off the roof rack but I definitely think that the new Toyo tires are killing my MPGs...enough to be a negative but I'll keep track for a few more months before posting any results. Rey Bustos
Well so far,it's May 2007, the new Toyo tires(Two months old) nor the lack of roof rack make any noticeable difference in MPGs. I still get 25 or 26 MPGs so all is great. I don't know if anything would make any difference MPGwise good or bad that you would notice outside of some drastic modification. Anyway, happy trails, Rey
Eight months later,without the roof rack, no noticeable difference in MGP...I still get 24.5-26.5 MPG with every tank. I keep my tire pressure at 38. I live in L.A so the temp is pretty constant here...no winter as some of you may have. I have a small $18 air compressor in the back cargo area and a digital guage so I can keep my eye on the pressure...that seems to be more of an influence than having or not having a roof rack. When the Toyo tires were at 32 I got much less MPGs,about 23...I hadn't noticed that they were that low...I pumped them up to 38...and voila, 26 MPG! Happy trails, Rey in L.A.
I just keep thinking that the poor bare roof needs some sort of sun screen--SPF 45 at least.
Tom
Tom
I'm thinking of getting a big Beatle wig ala 1964! Lol....Rey
QUOTE(jditom @ Feb 23 2007, 12:45 PM) 
OK I got my cross bars out from the rear. Took off the plastic cover. As decribed above you have to pull up about 4 mm then pull back and it will come out. Squeezing low as you pull up will help.
Cross bars slide right out after you take out one screw.
I did break one plastic tab which I superglued in place them epoxied the base (stronger than before).
To make it easier to reinstall I pulled out the yellow plug and slide that into the cover then the whole piece just goes in with a snap.
PS It looks much better without, should be quieter at high speeds.
Cross bars slide right out after you take out one screw.
I did break one plastic tab which I superglued in place them epoxied the base (stronger than before).
To make it easier to reinstall I pulled out the yellow plug and slide that into the cover then the whole piece just goes in with a snap.
PS It looks much better without, should be quieter at high speeds.
Can you explain again how to take off the end caps? Are the tabs at the bottom of the caps (where they meet the car top?) I was able to get mine up about 1/8 inch. Thanks
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 15 2006, 04:37 PM)
I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Note I also have "HYBRID" emblems and logotype. All free from the dealer...well, after spending so much cash on this baby,they better throw in a few measely emblems,eh?
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
I dont know if it been asked yet, but did it change your mileage?
Wil
No, it didn't affect the mileage at all. I find that it's not easy to take away or add gas mileage. My larger Toyo tires did hurt the MPG by perhaps a full MPG, but it may be that I am less dainty with my car now that I've had it a couple of years. Not having the roof rack just makes freeway driving a little quieter. There was no benefit whatsoever in mileage. I took it off because I didn't like it and I really love my RX400h without it. Rey Bustos , happy Lexus owner in L.A.
I will be taking delivery of an '08 400h in a couple of weeks. It's my impression that the roofrack CROSSBARS are placed in the trunk from the factory and then installed by the dealer.
Since I do not anticipate EVER using the roof rack, would anybody recommend requesting that the dealer NOT install the cross bars? Seems to me that even if there's only marginal to no mileage gain, wind noise would surely be diminished.
Not only that, but I also have a Sienna minivan with a similar roofrack/crossbar arrangement. Last winter, we had one of those 2-3" snowfalls followed by sleet that FROZE with a damn near impenetrable crust. Removing it would have been relatively easy, but those damn crossbars would not allow the chunks of snow to slide forward or back.
It would also be much easier to clean the roof.
Hell, now that I've written these justifications, I'm just going to DEMAND that the dealer NOT install the crossbars and leave 'em in the basement.
If anybody can think of a good reason for me to have them installed, please opine.
Since I do not anticipate EVER using the roof rack, would anybody recommend requesting that the dealer NOT install the cross bars? Seems to me that even if there's only marginal to no mileage gain, wind noise would surely be diminished.
Not only that, but I also have a Sienna minivan with a similar roofrack/crossbar arrangement. Last winter, we had one of those 2-3" snowfalls followed by sleet that FROZE with a damn near impenetrable crust. Removing it would have been relatively easy, but those damn crossbars would not allow the chunks of snow to slide forward or back.
It would also be much easier to clean the roof.
Hell, now that I've written these justifications, I'm just going to DEMAND that the dealer NOT install the crossbars and leave 'em in the basement.
If anybody can think of a good reason for me to have them installed, please opine.
I have experience ZERO wind noise, whatsoever. I have driven in summer, winter, in bad conditions with crosswinds and such, and have found no noise eminating from the overhead crossbars, or roof rack structure. This must be a point where Lexus spent some considerable time in the wind tunnel, and the engineers got it spot on.
My previous history with roof rack with other SUV's I have owned have been mixed. My Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2001 model was not great, but I did manage to mute the wind noise by adjusting each individual rack in the further position... front bar and rear bar aimed as much to the rear of the vehicle as possible. Wind noise was alot better, and only for those blustery days where you experience flying cows did the roof rack make that annoying whistling sound.
My previous Infiniti aka Pathfinder was Horrendous. It was noisey, and there was nothing you could do about it far from removing it or drowing out the noise by duct taping chickens to the roof rack at all four corners.
Audi S6 wagon was nice and quiet, except if installing the cross over bars... they weren't designed to be "on" all the time and they were much higher than normal so as to accomodate all the various adaptors for different needs. So if you left the cross over bars ON, they were plain noisey.
I too was apprehensive about the 400h, and the roof rack. But I can honestly say it doesn't make noise and the look doesn't sway me in either direction (whether nicer with them on or off).
Cheers,
MadloR
My previous history with roof rack with other SUV's I have owned have been mixed. My Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2001 model was not great, but I did manage to mute the wind noise by adjusting each individual rack in the further position... front bar and rear bar aimed as much to the rear of the vehicle as possible. Wind noise was alot better, and only for those blustery days where you experience flying cows did the roof rack make that annoying whistling sound.
My previous Infiniti aka Pathfinder was Horrendous. It was noisey, and there was nothing you could do about it far from removing it or drowing out the noise by duct taping chickens to the roof rack at all four corners.
Audi S6 wagon was nice and quiet, except if installing the cross over bars... they weren't designed to be "on" all the time and they were much higher than normal so as to accomodate all the various adaptors for different needs. So if you left the cross over bars ON, they were plain noisey.
I too was apprehensive about the 400h, and the roof rack. But I can honestly say it doesn't make noise and the look doesn't sway me in either direction (whether nicer with them on or off).
Cheers,
MadloR
I must apologize, I might have come off as saying that my roof rack was so noisy that I couldn't hear the radio...Jim is perfectly in line here and he is absolutely correct. If I "felt" that there was a reduction in noise after taking it off, it was purely psychological. I never meant to make it seem as if I took it off for that reason nor the other misconception that it was to better my gas MPGs, I get fine MPGs. That one was silly, it is so aerodynamic that there is very little chance of that making any noticeable difference whatsoever. The simple fact is that I took it off because I truly didn't like it nor the way it looked on my pretty car. Besides, I could not see any reason that I would ever need to "pack mule" my car that way. It was personal preference, like tie, no tie...hat,no hat...whatever, it was just personal choice and that's it. Jim is right about all that he said, this is the nicest car that I've ever owned and Lexus of Glendale continues to be a top notch dealership...I've never been this happy with the purchase of a car. I hope I made amends. Warmly, Rey
I just ordered a front lip which will be a great addition to my 400h. Little by little as the car gets into its 3 and 4th years of being around, there will be more things to add to and play with. It's fun. It's like when I had my PT Crusier except with a really fine automobile. As soon as I can I will post pictures of the new front end. Happy trails, Rey
QUOTE(RXREY @ Dec 15 2006, 04:37 PM)
I hope these pictures help. I really like my car without the roof rack. In over a year I have never used it and more than likely never will. Our RX looks great either way so don't do this unless you feel pretty strongly about taking it off. Note on the picture with one of the corner pieces, that the corner piece has to be lifted and THEN pushed forward to be free of the yellow pin. Note I also have "HYBRID" emblems and logotype. All free from the dealer...well, after spending so much cash on this baby,they better throw in a few measely emblems,eh?
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
Rey Bustos in sunny L.A.
Hi, It is nice to see someone really did it. Could you show me how to remove the roof rack? Thanks!
Other than what's on the first page that I started with this post... I don't know how much more I can tell you. I took a few pictures but it's still not easy to explain. It's been a long time since I did it but I lifted the corner piece, revealing the yellow fastener and then I pulled it up to release the corner piece. It was hard and I thought that I was going to break something but I was determined to take that thing off. I hated the look of it. I saw an RX from Europe without it and wondered why they put it on at all! No one that I have ever seen loads stuff up there....anyway, there's a screw at each corner and voila, it was eventually off. Not for the squeemish! I really had to wrestle with each corner. No regrets, it's off and the car looks clean and sleek now without the roof rack. Rey
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