Yakima slippage

[fishjunky]

I've had my Yakima racks on for almost a year now with no problems. I noticed this afternoon where the front passenger side slipped backwards about 5/16", and the front driver side slipped back 1/16". (I could see the clean car paint underneath... my car needs a bath)

The only thing I can think of that I did different this time is my yak was about 7" out of center balance towards the back of the car. I already had it strapped down when I noticed and it felt solid so I didn't bother centering it.

Could that cause the bar to slip back? Once I noticed that, I pushed on the bar and it would move about 3/4" back and forth. Scary stuff.

What should I do? Move the brackets closer to each other?

[kfsrmn]

It sounds like your towers are not properly tightened or you dont have the correct clips.

[fishjunky]

The clips I recieved were specified for my car. I feel like they were tightened pretty well, but maybe not. I guess I will try to reset it and see what happens.

[ORF]

After a while on a vehicle the vibration causes "smooth spots" where the rack sits and going down the road and road vibrations will cause them to slip backwards. Take totally off, use a light sand paper and roughen up the rails, then attach the bars again. This should help until they get smooth again.

JJ

[fishjunky]

So take the towers off and scuff up the bars? Or scuff up the paint on the car?

In a semi-different note, when I took the front bar off this morning, I reset it on the car 2.5" further towards the front. Has anyone ever altered the recommended spacing for your car? I pulled and tugged and yanked (on the yakima bar) and they didn't move. Bad idea to move the bar forward or no?

[JKay]

I'm assuming that you might have the Yakima Q-towers? If so, there is an adjustment knob inside that increases or decreases the tower tension. If the Q towers have not gone out of adjustment that much with respect to their position on the bar, you can tighten these to provide more tension. I would start with a turn or two on each side. Make sure that you take up on these equally. I've had to do this a few times to tighten up the system. Every few months I put a tape measure between the left and right towers in front, then in the back to ensure that there's been no significant movement.

I would not move the position of the front bar. Yakima has very specific fit guides for your car and the clips provided. The exact dimensions on where they recommend placement on your vehicle should be provided. You might be okay moving the rack, or it may not work. Personally, I wouldn't take the chance. If you don't have the fit guide, just give them a call. They could email or fax you the correct fit guide.

[fishjunky]

I tightened the tension knobs and it went back on just fine.

I do have the paperwork with the bar placement, I just can't see (on my car at least) how moving it forward changes the gripping power of it. I will see next weekend I guess. :)

[ORF]

Sorry fishjunky my bad, I was thinking of another set up.

JJ

[JKay]

I tightened the tension knobs and it went back on just fine.

I do have the paperwork with the bar placement, I just can't see (on my car at least) how moving it forward changes the gripping power of it. I will see next weekend I guess. :)

I wouldn't be as concerned with the gripping power when you change position, as much as the potential change in the profile of where the clip meets the curve in the roof. If the profile is a little different as you move it forward, the clips may not fit right. It might look good to the naked eye, but I wouldn't chance it.

Secondarily, if you ever had an issue with the rack coming off while driving, you might void any warranty if it's not set up correctly.

[fishjunky]

I know exactly what you mean JKay. The curve looks identical to me, and I have a pretty good "plumb, level, square" judgement (used to be a cabinet installer).

I pulled on the clip, pushed and pulled on the bar, etc. I don't think it will affect the hold. I'll go easy my first few trips to see.

As far as the warranty... I'm pretty sure I remember reading about Yakima not giving any warranty to the install regardless.

[Bellybuster]

I've had my Yakima racks on for almost a year now with no problems.

you stated your own problem, after a year they will eventually require tightening. The pads on the bottom of the towers will compress with time and the rack will become loose. I would suggest checking the tightness weekly. In other words you have no problem at all, vibration/age/compression etc will eventually cause things to loosen a bit

[fishjunky]

you stated your own problem, after a year they will eventually require tightening. The pads on the bottom of the towers will compress with time and the rack will become loose. I would suggest checking the tightness weekly. In other words you have no problem at all, vibration/age/compression etc will eventually cause things to loosen a bit

Good to know. I will start giving the racks a tug before putting they yak up there from now on. They have been very good so far. Very pleased with the Yakima bars.