Roof rack question

[Tedddy]

Hi guys!

Just got myself a 2002 Protege 5 a few days ago. I am really enjoying the car. I've been lurking here researching how to get rid of the wind noise and read that removing the roof rack would work. I removed the cross bars and sure enough, it eliminated the wind noise, so I'm happy about that.

I'm just concerned that now I've removed the cross bars, the metal components of the side rails are exposed and I'm worried about water getting into my roof or rust occurring. Am i worrying about nothing or is my concern justified? if so, what do you reccomend i do?

Thanks.

 

[Breeegz]

there are filler caps you can buy... I'd watch the For Sale section, they show up there every once in a while.

You could check with a Mazda Dealer or Ken @ protegegarage.com has been known to be able to get OEM parts.

Welcome to the Forums

 

[dave45090]

Roof rack fillers. They look like this.

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123622432&highlight=roof+rack+filler

 

[cbcbd]

When I got my car it came with the fillers. I guess whoever you got the car from tossed those out.

 

[Tedddy]

thanks everyone!

 

[dave45090]

msprotege.com - we aim to please.

 

[bazooka joe]

check where the jack and spare tire goes...maybe they got stuck in there?
also, richard at mazdastuff.com can help!

 

[CTt3P5]

^^^I wish you better luck than I had. After seeing someone else post the exact same thing I got all excited and ran out to open the hatch and pull up the cover and......no filler caps. Got some from another member. I have also seen them on ebay so you may want to check there.

 

[Tedddy]

Thanks. in the meantime, do you think it might be wise for me toto rub some grease or something on the exposed sections to prevent possible rust or water leakage?

 

[brouhaha]

You could put the roof rack back on until you get the fillers. I have almost the same concern as you. I saw some superficial rust around the screw holes when I took the roof rack off yesterday and am wondering if I need to worry about it.