How To Remove 4Runner Factory Roof Rails

In this video we quickly demonstrate how to remove the 4 Runner's factory roof rails. It's pretty cut and dry as long as nothing is seized and you don't spin the interior bracket. Keeping both bolts in until both are loose will prevent this. If any bolts are seized you can try penetrating oil but use sparingly so it doesn't drip down and stain your headliner from the inside. We've had great luck with a little heat from the torch for 2-4sec right on the bolt head, then trying to turn, repeat until free. You can tape off areas you don't want to get damaged but this may melt the plastic feet of the rack if you're planning to resell it. The last one we did was unnoticeable and the one before that had slight bubbling on one hole. These were both on FJ cruiser racks where all the same principles apply along with any of the factory baskets.