Factory roof rack removal from MIC

[Baconator]

Yeah... Once I got the rack off, I could see the long bolt, how it worked, And there's a little "retainer" If you can call it that, that's supposed to help you know you've backed out far enough. I just had to put that retainer back on the threads.

@da_jokker and @Boxer4
I realize this is an old thread but I removed my roof rack for the first time last night.

The rear clamps were "stuck" pretty good so I thought I had to unscrew the triangle bolts completely (not sure that was necessary). I didn't realize the little retainer nuts fell to the ground, luckily I found them this morning. The paper clip is just there for size reference.

My questions...Where do these get installed/attached? Does anyone have a picture of the clamp with the retainer nuts attached? TIA.

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[JWBroncoATL]

@da_jokker and @Boxer4
I realize this is an old thread but I removed my roof rack for the first time last night.

The rear clamps were "stuck" pretty good so I thought I had to unscrew the triangle bolts completely (not sure that was necessary). I didn't realize the little retainer nuts fell to the ground, luckily I found them this morning. The paper clip is just there for size reference.

My questions...Where do these get installed/attached? Does anyone have a picture of the clamp with the retainer nuts attached? TIA.

End of the triangle bolt threads

 

[Baconator]

End of the triangle bolt threads

Does it go on the bolt before or after the barrel nut?
I'm not looking at the rack at the moment, so I apologize.
It will probably be obvious once I have my eyes on it.

EDIT: If someone has a picture that would be extremely helpful. Thanks.

 

[JWBroncoATL]

Does it go on the bolt before or after the barrel nut?
I'm not looking at the rack at the moment, so I apologize.
It will probably be obvious once I have my eyes on it.

EDIT: If someone has a picture that would be extremely helpful. Thanks.

At the end of the bolt…after the barrel nut. I think the intention is to serve as a stop so you don’t unthread the triangle bolt from the barrel when loosening.

But they are too weak to serve that purpose as they don’t really stop anything when loosening the triangle bolt.

 

[Mdozier]

Encountered the same thing when taking mine off the first time. Couldn’t get the rear “clamps” to open/loosen enough to get them out of the lip at the same time. Ended up loosening the bolts all the way out and still couldn’t get them both out at the same time. Realized it’s a matter of ”fiddling“ with them just right and having a buddy hold one side out while I “fiddled” the other out.

Point is, I did’t know the little retainer clips were ever there and lost them both. No issue really since they didn’t seem to stop the bolts anyway. No real problem since, so maybe this is one case where ignorance didn’t do any harm?

Anyway, not sure you really need them for what it’s worth.

 

[JWBroncoATL]

Encountered the same thing when taking mine off the first time. Couldn’t get the rear “clamps” to open/loosen enough to get them out of the lip at the same time. Ended up loosening the bolts all the way out and still couldn’t get them both out at the same time. Realized it’s a matter of ”fiddling“ with them just right and having a buddy hold one side out while I “fiddled” the other out.

Point is, I did’t know the little retainer clips were ever there and lost them both. No issue really since they didn’t seem to stop the bolts anyway. No real problem since, so maybe this is one case where ignorance didn’t do any harm?

Anyway, not sure you really need them for what it’s worth.

Here is a trick I just realized after taking my OEM racks off the MIC 10x. When you loosen the triangle bolt (almost to the end), it is frustrating because you can't get the clamp to clear the slot.

But the trick is to pull up on the plastic "box" part that sits on top of the MIC - it will actually lift up and "pop up" which allows you to then pull it forward and the clamp will clear.

 

[BR_1992]

Does anyone have any other ideas?

I've tried removing the roof rack and am stuck on the rear. For a LONG time.
I am not mechanically inclined and do not understand most of this thread, so if someone can explain it to me like I'm 2 years old, that would be great.

I do understand the last post, about moving the plastic box up, but maybe mine is different, it doesn't move up separately, it's part of the whole rack. The more I lift it up, the more the lip thing catches the bottom.

Honestly this is my first big disappointment with the Bronco. This should be much easier to remove. I'm totally stumped.

EDITED: OK figured out a solution.... squeezed the lip thing/pushed it while lifting up to clear. Not easy!!!!

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