Help with Roof Bar Connections

[spamtinny]

Hi everybody,

I have a 2011 Mazda 5 and I'm having trouble removing the 4 plastic covers on the roof which protect the connection points for fitting roof bars. I had a similar problem with my old Mazda 3 but with a bit of force I managed to get them off but so far the the 5 I've not been able to remove them.

I have been pushing down and sliding in the direction of the arrows but not a single one will budge. Is there a simple technique I'm missing here or is it just that they need a bit more "gentle persuasion"?


Thanks.

 

[eyeballs]

Slip a small flathead screwdriver under the backside and pry up and forward.

 

[microvan]

Slip a small flathead screwdriver under the backside and pry up and forward.

I broke one that way. If it's the same design as the US spec 2012, I got them off by using a rigid plastic tool (bike tire lever in this case) to push on the edge of the cover from behind, in the direction of the arrow. Wrap it in a rag if you want to avoid scratches.

 

[spamtinny]

I broke one that way. If it's the same design as the US spec 2012, I got them off by using a rigid plastic tool (bike tire lever in this case) to push on the edge of the cover from behind, in the direction of the arrow. Wrap it in a rag if you want to avoid scratches.

Thanks that worked like a charm. I also tried the other way first but like you said prying upwards just seemed like it was going to cause damage with this model.

 

[Silentnoise713]

I broke one that way. If it's the same design as the US spec 2012, I got them off by using a rigid plastic tool (bike tire lever in this case) to push on the edge of the cover from behind, in the direction of the arrow. Wrap it in a rag if you want to avoid scratches.

+1

As microvan suggested, just push it towards/with the direction of the arrow (hopefully it was put on correctly) and it comes up on its own. I also just put my racks back on yesterday. I forgotten how exactly they can off and first tried to push and pry (up), which is what the OEM roof rack install guide suggests. This lead me to break the legs on the clip but perhaps I was lifting it too hard. However, after the first one if off, you can clearly see how it goes in.

 

[eyeballs]

Mine's a 2012. I had no breakages or scratches using the screwdriver method. I may have put some tape on the screwdriver but I can't remember. Glad you got it sorted though.

 

[minstrel]

I currently own a 2012 Mazda5 and recently purchased a OEM Mazda Roof Rack for only $30 from a classified ad that was taken off of a 2008 model. The rack was missing a foot pad on the right front left side and I was able to purchase a set of 4 from my local dealer. I have installed the rack, but there is a lot of wind noise. There are 4 plastic clips that come with a new roof rack that are stategically placed on the bars to help reduce the wind drag, but I am unable to locate them separately from the accessory kit. Does anyone know where I can find these plastic clips and have any other solutions? Yakima has a windjammer, but I believe it is specific to Yakima racks. Thanks.