Roof rack cross bars

[Axxlrod]

My new 03 Yukon came with the roof rack cross bars since I got the cargo package option.  I don't think I'm going to need them anytime in the near future.  Does anybody know how to take them off?  The cross bars slide in a groove that run the length of the rails, but they are capped at each end, so you can't slide them out.  

 

Any ideas?

 

I just want a lower profile for daily driving.  I'll put them back on when I need them.

[Axxlrod]

C'mon, somebody has to have an idea....

[TROYROBO]

 

[SFPegasus]

Go to the back of the vehicle.  Those plastic caps at the end of the track simply snap off.  I think if you start at the back of the cap and work forward you'll find that there's a little locking tab at the front.

 

Unlock each cross rail from each side of the vehicle by lifting the latch and carefully slide them toward the rear of the vehicle until they come out of the track.  Replace the plastic caps and you're done!

 

Save those cross rails!   Some people are going to be looking for them since GM decided not to include them as standard equipment.

[Axxlrod]

Thanks SFPegasus

[genestoy]

Just thought I would make a correction here on the proper way to remove the cross bars just in case somebody else (like I was) is looking for the way to remove the rails--

1) there are two torx screws in each corner of the rack stanchion - remove them

2) there is a clip inside the rear (front ones) or the front (rear ones) of the stanchion that needs to be gently pried up while pulling the stanchion forward (front ones) or backward (rear ones)

3) the cross bar can now be slid out the ends by holding up the release lever

 

Note that these must be removed in pairs across from each other in order to get the cross bar out. The bottom of the cross bars is also marked "Front" so you will know which way they go upon re-install

 

This is the way it is on my 2003 Yukon

Gene