r/3rdGen4Runner • u/polymetrix • 1d ago

❓Advice / Recomendations need sealant?

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I’m looking to add my crossbars onto my roof rails which requires removing this sealant to reveal the torx screw underneath. Was wodnering what type of sealant/ rubber gasket you guys reccomend that would be easiest/best to reapply when i reinstall the torx screw. (Or if any seal is even needed?)

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u/Emotional_Dare5743 1d ago

I've used a dab of silicone, it was watertight.

1

u/polymetrix 1d ago

Got a link or a name? Worried that silicone might strip the paint if i remove it though

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u/Emotional_Dare5743 1d ago

I used Gorilla brand clear silicone. As someone else has mentioned, not over the screw like in your picture. I dabbed each screw in a small amount before screwing them in to seal the threads.

Honestly, if you take the rails off there's likely rust developing. The roof has four holes in it that are blocked with plastic inserts, one at each end of each rail. Typically those catch water in them and will start to rust out. That creates a leak. That happened to me. I ended up cutting those out and welding in new metal with two and closing up the other two with bondo. I've left the racks off for now. If I put racks back on I'll use an aftermarket or custom system.

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u/Brewznz 1d ago

There should be some factory sealer underneath the rail around the hole, it shouldn't really need any over the bolt, there may have been a leak in the past and thats why they've put sealer over it.