Like many of the other posts on this forum about roof racks, I went through a similar process and first purchased aftermarket racks at a fraction of the cost of the factory ones. I was unhappy with how they gripped the roof rails, returned them and bought the factory racks. I have not "permanently" installed them, however, I am also unhappy with how these attach to the roof rails. Upon initial inspection I was much happier with how the "grips" seemed like they would wrap around the lip of the roof rail to make a more secure connection. However, they do not reach under the lip neither in the front nor back and simply rely on pressure against the rails to hold them down. I have tried everything to get them to fit under the lip but the only way it seems possible is to remove the rubber mounting which would then scratch the rail. I am also concerned that tightening them to the recommended pressure will dent or crease the roof rail and leave a mark or dent when removed. Needless to say, after almost triple the cost, I am no more happy than I was with the aftermarket racks. Any suggestions from people who have installed the factory racks? Thanks in advance.
Factory Roof Racks - unhappy with mount.
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Thanks for your reply. That gives me a bit more confidence to tighten them to 53 ft-lbs as stated in the instructions. Hope they don't scratch the paint, either.
I know exactly what you mean. I returned a set of racks that were supposed to "grip" the roof rails because no matter how well you positioned them, spaced them, and tightened them, if you used some force in the right direction you could make them come off. The manufacturer maintained it wasn't an issue, but I got a full refund anyway and swapped to another brand that was roughly the same price yet better in many ways:
- The bolt to the retaining screws on top of the rack and are totally secure.
- They are a "whisper" profile and the difference in how they eliminated the wind noise compared to the original racks is staggering.
- The side mounts include "boots" that are flexible, and really seem to flex and follow the curve of the rails. I believe it is to keep water out and reduce noise/drag, but in any case it makes me feel they are a higher quality design and construction.
- The whisper racks curve to follow the roof line which I expect makes them a little stronger too.
Sounds good. Can you please tell me the name or link to the racks? Thanks.
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If you don't mind, what crossbars did you end up with?
I ended up keeping the factory mounts but just sent away for a torque bar. I am going to torque them to the factory specs and see if that helps. I'll keep you posted.
I am still not 100% secure with the racks and, although they are on, I haven't used them yet for fear they will come flying off the car with any kind of air lift. I have an inquiry with Hyundai right now but have not received any reply. I also have been trying to get some feedback from others with the same rack but haven't been able to get anyone to show me exactly how theirs mounted on their rails. Here's another link that a girl posted that I have been corresponding on but still no resolution: Discount parts that are real Hyundai parts . If you find out anything, please let me know. Something just doesn't seem right.
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9 Posts
What year / model do you have? Even taking the rubber foot off the profile is not correct and would barely clip under the lip. DO Not use unless under the lip. My kit was made in 2018, I wonder if there was a rail change and or Clamp change after 2018, I am Having a dealership test fit one of their Konas as I am going to return the current Hyundai one I have if I can't get the proper clamps/fit kit. I am going to order a Thule 4089 Fit kit and see if they clip/sit on the rail correctly. If the do I will use them. As the Thule clips have to outer mount holes like the Hyundai one, I may see if the Thule fit kit can bolt into the Hyundai cross bars. I don't know till I have them in hand. Also I think you mention tightening them to Foot pounds? The instructions I got said Inch pounds - FYI I will report back success or failure.
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Rails are totally different. The Ironman has 3 plastic inserts on the outside edge, one short magenta colored piece at the radiuses and then a black filler piece between the radiuses. The normal Kona, Tucson and even Palisade are what appears to be the same 1 piece extrusion.
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Are the 3 plastic inserts that you are talking about the round "caps" that are located on the top of the rail as shown after the rack in Rail1 and in front of the rack in Rail2? I know there are bolts under those caps but they are not used for the installation. I would have felt much better if the racks were bolted down.
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9 Posts
No underneath the lip, and I see your mounts don't engage the lip on the outer edge. Did you catch the inner lip? I also see you removed the rubber base. I did look at that as an option but as your paint is scratching and there is no rack load I am worried it would let loose. Even with out the rubber base the mount clips did not conform properly.
I agree totally with you which is why I am afraid to put anything on them. I tried everything to get them to engage the lip which is why I took the rubber base out. I first bought an aftermarket pair and they did the same thing so I sprung for the big bucks to get the factory crossbars and they do the same thing. I just thought I was being paranoid since all of the reviews said they were great. I'm just wondering if the IronMan edition has a thicker top of the rail so the clamp is not reaching under the lip. That is why I was questioning people in these forums but have not seen anyone else's crossbars installed correctly under the lip.
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9 Posts
TOTALLY different rail, see Post #12 I have taken pictures and sent them to THULE to see if they can help. The listed THULE Fit Kit for the Kona is a 4089, which won't fit the Ironman Edition because of the Roof Rail differences. I hope to hear back from them soon.
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9 Posts
I read that too, I also ordered based on that. I am returning mine. I don't have a Thule dealer around with in stock Fit Kits, that would be easy to then test fit and find the best fit, as I doubt any Company will make specific ones for a 1200 run of cars with 80% of those not putting racks on....
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