CX-9 roof rack (OEM)

[Pootie Tang]

My money is going to be on the OEM side rails holding just about anything one could put on them. And the OEM crossbars, modestly over 100lbs. In the many different SUV racks I've dealt with (1993 and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5) this seems to be the case.

 

[gpalm44]

I'm wanting to add a roof rack to my 9 solely for the purpose of carrying several Snowboards and/or Skis (currently it's a naked roof....). Does anyone have suggestions, and hopefully some photos, for a good setup?

I'm not worried about some expensive setup for carrying lumber, expensive bikes, roof containers, etc!!

 

[Pootie Tang]

Had my roof rack installed today at the dealer. Still waiting for the cross bars to come in.

Man, what a difference!! The car now looks "complete". Without the roof rack, it just looked like something was missing!

Plus people can now compliment your rack. (spin). Yes I did graduate third grade. Barely.

 

[Davicho]

Pootie Tang...you cut out the best thing of your avatar...."the rack"

Just started 4th grade....

 

[kegels]

I anyone using a Thule clamp-on(for a Thule ski rack) on their roof rack cross bars? If so, which one? The clamp-on that used to fit on my Jeep is too narrow. Thanks.

 

[Catman]

OK, here's my solution. I removed the factory rails and got Thule 460's that mount to the same fixed points as the factory rack. A lot cleaner in my opinion. This kit was recalled at one point due to brittle bolts. The one I bought was all set. I would have preferred larger bolts but the factory fixed point are what they are. Pretty good though. The load bars are spread apart pretty far but my Peleton bike mounts fit fine as well as skis, etc. Also, the max load rating from Thule is 165 lbs.

 

[Catman]

My money is going to be on the OEM side rails holding just about anything one could put on them. And the OEM crossbars, modestly over 100lbs. In the many different SUV racks I've dealt with (1993 and 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, BMW X5) this seems to be the case.

I wouldn't bet on it. I don't think I would exceed 100lbs with the factory rails. After taking them off and looking at the hardware I am not as confident.

 

[cgdcx9]

OK, here's my solution. I removed the factory rails and got Thule 460's that mount to the same fixed points as the factory rack. A lot cleaner in my opinion. This kit was recalled at one point due to brittle bolts. The one I bought was all set. I would have preferred larger bolts but the factory fixed point are what they are. Pretty good though. The load bars are spread apart pretty far but my Peleton bike mounts fit fine as well as skis, etc. Also, the max load rating from Thule is 165 lbs.

Catman,
How long are the load bars you used? Also, do the two load bars sit level to each other on the roof? I plan on carrying 2 kayaks using a Thule 897Hullavator for each kayak.
Thanks,
CGD

 

[sjg]

The bars are not parallel with each other. I'd recommend the Aero version of the 460's if you want fix point mounts. Then you can use the T channel, which is more forgiving, along with the wing shape.
On my Mont Blanc Aeros, the difference in angles wasn't a problem.

With the OEM rails I think the crossbars would be a few inches further back which minimizes (but not eliminates) the un-parallel bars. (This is one area where round Yakima crossbars come in handy as they cannot be out of parallel.).

 

[Catman]

Catman,
How long are the load bars you used? Also, do the two load bars sit level to each other on the roof? I plan on carrying 2 kayaks using a Thule 897Hullavator for each kayak.
Thanks,
CGD

Not sure what the length of the bars are, or what they were originally. I always cut the load bars with a hack saw so I don't have any overhang. The front load bar has a slight angle forward, the feet compensate a bit for this but there is definitely a disparity. However, I haven't seen that is causes an issue with my Thule ski or peleton bike rack. I haven't put my kayak mounts up the yet but I don't think it will be a problem.

 

[pdxa4]

I have the newer Thule's, not sure of the number. They have a belted rubber strap that wraps under the factory rails and and then fits into a slot on the outside of the "foot". When you tighten it the strap pulls the rail slightly towards the center of the car. Where it became obvious was the middle foot on the factory rack. The plastic cover began to misalign with it's base. I may call Thule and complain, maybe they will do something for me. The OEM rack isn't all to blame but the flimsy nature of it doesn't help.

Lindyrect, my plastic comment was directed at the OEM rack. The connecting points on the OEM rack are all plastic.

By any chance would you have a picture of your roof rails with the Thule 450 mounted.

I recently purchased the 450 Thule for my aero bars, but I'm unsure on what distance to mount them on the Mazda rails.
Thanks.

 

[martiggs8324]

I have lost the cap cover on the front/right side where the screws are covered if the rails are installed. You r removing your rails and need to put back the plastic cover on the original body/roof if you remove the rails? I still have mine would you like to swap the your front/right covers of your rails? I have a cx 9 2008 by the way. Let me know if interested.

 

[martiggs8324]

Imiwa,

I got the original plasic covering on the roof. I need the cap covering the front right rails where the screws are found to attach to the roof. interested to swap?

 

[martiggs8324]

Imiwa,

Just new in the forum. I know your post wast years ago. But if interested with the original covering on the roof before rails were installed I have them. I can swap it with your front right rail covering of the screws if u sre removing yours.

l-miwa,

Before you get the plastic clips... Here are two pictures of the installation. Be careful with the removal of the front cover, there is a locking pin that can break off (circled with red) from the front cover. This is not shown in the Installation Instructions!

View attachment 112888
View attachment 112887

Good luck,

George

 

[HOLOHOLO]

By any chance would you have a picture of your roof rails with the Thule 450 mounted.

I recently purchased the 450 Thule for my aero bars, but I'm unsure on what distance to mount them on the Mazda rails.
Thanks.

No picts here yet but I just put the rapid aeros and aeroblades on my 2012 Touring.

The ends of the factory rails have thin plastic covers and you need to completely avoid these areas if carrying heavy loads. The maximum spread left on the remaining bars is less that 37".

 

[pdxa4]

No picts here yet but I just put the rapid aeros and aeroblades on my 2012 Touring.

The ends of the factory rails have thin plastic covers and you need to completely avoid these areas if carrying heavy loads. The maximum spread left on the remaining bars is less that 37".

I mounted my 450's and had no issue with them on a long roadtrip with my Thule Atlantis 1600 box...
Car was rock solid on the trip...

No noise at 80mph...

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Here she is with the Thule Aeroblades,..

They make a depressing amount of whistling noise, for being the "quietest" bars on the market!

 

[HOLOHOLO]

Just wanted to mention, for any potential new owners out there, that you want to purchase ALL your OEM accessories/aftermarket goodies on you car's invoice at the time of closing. You will save a bundle.

If you wait to buy the same items from the parts department after the sale, you may be shocked to see the price nearly double. I had this happen to me when purchasing my CX-9 late at night - after the parts dept had closed. The next morning, the roof rails I wanted went from $200 factory invoice (installed) to $370 MSRP plus installation. I ended up paying the dealers parts "cost" of $300 for the rails but learned a valuable lesson.

Same goes for the mudflaps, hitches, cargo covers, bumper guards, etc. They will cost you MUCH more at any other time, and you won't be able to enjoy the 0% financing either.

 

[grahamb]

...They make a depressing amount of whistling noise, for being the "quietest" bars on the market!

Wrap a bungee cord around the front cross bar; no more noise! It's like magic. I have the square bars and they whistled like crazy on the highway, but make zero noise after wrapping the front bar.

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...5978033-thule-rack-windnoise-rack-wrap-01.jpg

(not my pic, just an example)

 

[Phayle]

Hi all.

Great info here as my 9 came with the roof rails and I recently paired them with a 450R/Aero Blade set.

However, I believe I have the same lateral pull from the 450 installation that has been mentioned here already. In fact my middle foot looks similar to pdx's photos (not saying he has pulling, just seems like it from that top pic). My middle foot's outside edge appears to be pulling away from the rubber boot but the other two feet are ok. Is it possible to over tighten the 450 straps? Is this something I should be concerned about? From the info here knowing the parts are plastic and held together by one screw has me a bit worried.

FYI I placed each 450 near the allen screws on the bottom of the factory rail.

Thanks.