Hard top MIC Removal - Roof Rack Removal Issues

Everglades23

Mar 01, 2023

We have had a few nice days here in Tennessee as of late and I was able to take the front two panels off with no issues with my roof rack and have really enjoyed it. We had a nice evening so I thought, well why not, let's take it all off and enjoy it as a family. Unfortunately, several hours later, the roof rack never came off. I couldn't find much in the way of how to get it off. Over at 6G there are a few threads on the problem but the back is clamped into the hard top and even after taking the triangle screw in the back it simply won't unclamp enough to get it off. In addition, a random washer fell out from under the roof rack where the triangle screw is and now I'm worried something is wrong. The Ford video instruction on this is super misleading as it is certainly not unscrew those few screws and simply lift off with a friend. I can't find any actual video on the "how to" do this. If anyone has suggestions or help, I would be forever in your debt as that was a pretty awful experience with no payoff.

Last edited by a moderator: Mar 01, 2023

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Mar 01, 2023

Alright so...

First you have to loosen the mounting bolts above the windshield. Then, you have to loosen both of the triangle bolts on both sides. Once both are loosened, you can push down on one of the sides to get the bottom clamp out from under the lip of the hard top mounting point—this is by far the hardest part. Once one side is free the other side should be relatively easy.

By "random washer" I assume you mean the captive washer (circle with spikes). That is actually supposed to prevent you from completely unscrewing the triangle bolt from the internal mechanism. So if that has fallen out, then bolt with the triangle head is completely disconnected and you'll have to take apart the clamp to put it back together once you get the roof rack off the Bronco.

Good luck / have fun (or try to anyway).

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

EGBronc, Laura

Mar 01, 2023

RagnarKon
Alright so...

First you have to loosen the mounting bolts above the windshield. Then, you have to loosen both of the triangle bolts on both sides. Once both are loosened, you can push down on one of the sides to get the bottom clamp out from under the lip of the hard top mounting point—this is by far the hardest part. Once one side is free the other side should be relatively easy.

By "random washer" I assume you mean the captive washer (circle with spikes). That is actually supposed to prevent you from completely unscrewing the triangle bolt from the internal mechanism. So if that has fallen out, then bolt with the triangle head is completely disconnected and you'll have to take apart the clamp to put it back together once you get the roof rack off the Bronco.

Good luck / have fun (or try to anyway).

Thanks. Everything up front on the windshield was done as was loosening the triangle bolts. Both came completely out so I guess another captive washer is missing. I was able to get the triangle bolts back in but it was difficult and I had to really work for placement. Seems like those were supposed to keep that from happening and didn’t. Pushing down on one side was not in any video or anything I came across so that’ll be the next thing I try when I have more time to see if I can get a side loose to remove. Thank you!

Mar 01, 2023

Thanks for the posts. I plan to remove my roof rack in a few weeks once ski season ends in the Northwest.

Everglades23 - It would be great to hear if it ends up working for you to remove the rack in one piece.

The Ford video definitely shows that, but I wonder if it’s ultimately better to remove the two crossbar pieces and then take the rails off one at a time? It’s a bit more work but may be better in the end. Also, I have wondered how easy it will be to put the rack back on when it’s all in one piece?

RagnarKon - Have you had any experience putting the rack back on your Bronco yet?

I would welcome everyone’s thoughts on the best way to take the rack off and put it back on. I’ll be taking it off every Spring and putting it on every Thanksgiving. So not too often.

Everglades23

Mar 01, 2023

2dr BD.
I’ve removed my factory Rack
(as one piece)
and had no issues.
Yes the rear triangle bolt / wedge cam design can be a bit tricky .
My suggestion is try to remain patient a get a good visual of how it’s wanting to release.

My use for the rack is strictly for winter ski equipment.
So as I don’t want the long term fading effect on the MIC , I will only Re install it as I have a need for it.

Hope this helps,

2022 -2door Black Diamond
Mid Package
2.7. Velocity Blue.

Everglades23

Mar 01, 2023

For what it is worth you can remove the center panel (4 dr) with roof rack installed. Loosen one of the rear triangle bolts enough to lift the roof rack about 3/4”. You can snake the panel out from under and slide it across. I haven’t gotten around to pulling the rear cap myself. When I do the roof rack will still be attached to it.

Everglades23

Mar 01, 2023

We have had the front panels off a few times, Last night was the last time it was a beautiful evening. but getting the panels of with the roof rack is kinda a pain you can slide the panel about 1/4 way off then the clamp gets in the way I fold it shut but it still takes a good pop with the heal of my hand to get it past that point. I am afraid it is going to scratch the top. anyone else have this issue? I want to take the rack off but the wife likes it too much so it stays.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

Mar 01, 2023

ToddGreen
RagnarKon - Have you had any experience putting the rack back on your Bronco yet?

I would welcome everyone’s thoughts on the best way to take the rack off and put it back on. I’ll be taking it off every Spring and putting it on every Thanksgiving. So not too often.

I personally took it off and put it back on in once piece. Didn't take the crossbars off.

Taking the rack off the first time and actually looking at the mechanism helped a lot. The first time I took it off there was a lot of "this stupid triangle bolt thing doesn't do anything!" (with more flavorful language)... but it does... I just didn't understand how it worked initially.

The one thing to be careful of is the mounting studs above the windshield. Those are painted from the factory and are NOT galvanized or stainless. So if you accidentally chip off the paint when taking off or installing the roof rack, you'll need to cover up your paint nicks with either a touch-up pen or nail polish. Doesn't need to look good, just needs to prevent rust.

I have since sold the factory roof rack... just wasn't impressed with it. I now use a TrailRax rack. Though I will fully admit if you only need a roof rack to carry skis, the TrailRax rack is probably super overkill.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
YouTube: youtube.com/@ragnarkon
Instagram: @ragnar.kon

Mar 01, 2023

Thanks, everyone.

One additional question for the folks who have successfully loosened the triangle bolt to remove the rack:

I've read in other posts about the issue of the bolt being loosened too much and the washer falling out and being difficult to reassemble. So, to avoid doing that, I'm wondering how much you loosen it before trying to take the rack off the roof? I know that's probably a bit difficult to answer, but any guidance would be helpful so I can avoid over-loosening it.

Thanks.

Everglades23

Mar 01, 2023

Jakob1972
We have had the front panels off a few times, Last night was the last time it was a beautiful evening. but getting the panels of with the roof rack is kinda a pain you can slide the panel about 1/4 way off then the clamp gets in the way I fold it shut but it still takes a good pop with the heal of my hand to get it past that point. I am afraid it is going to scratch the top. anyone else have this issue? I want to take the rack off but the wife likes it too much so it stays.

Things would definitely be easier without the roof rack. I’m in the same situation. Wife likes it, it stays. The front panels are pretty easy once you get the sequence worked out with the clamps as you mentioned. I wiggle it out with little effort though. Don’t really have to pop it. As for scratches, I’m sure it’ll happen at some point. I’m more concerned about the roof holding up to normal wear and tear.

Everglades23, Jakob1972

Mar 01, 2023

#10

ToddGreen
Thanks for the posts. I plan to remove my roof rack in a few weeks once ski season ends in the Northwest.

Everglades23 - It would be great to hear if it ends up working for you to remove the rack in one piece.

The Ford video definitely shows that, but I wonder if it’s ultimately better to remove the two crossbar pieces and then take the rails off one at a time? It’s a bit more work but may be better in the end. Also, I have wondered how easy it will be to put the rack back on when it’s all in one piece?

RagnarKon - Have you had any experience putting the rack back on your Bronco yet?

I would welcome everyone’s thoughts on the best way to take the rack off and put it back on. I’ll be taking it off every Spring and putting it on every Thanksgiving. So not too often.

I can definitely update you. We have a string of rain and colder weather for a bit coming in so it may be a few weeks before I try again but I’ll definitely let you know!

ToddGreen

Mar 01, 2023

#11

ToddGreen
Thanks, everyone.

One additional question for the folks who have successfully loosened the triangle bolt to remove the rack:

I've read in other posts about the issue of the bolt being loosened too much and the washer falling out and being difficult to reassemble. So, to avoid doing that, I'm wondering how much you loosen it before trying to take the rack off the roof? I know that's probably a bit difficult to answer, but any guidance would be helpful so I can avoid over-loosening it.

Thanks.

I was only able to find one of them. I assume I could just find another captive washer the same size but I was able to reassemble without them (but wasn’t easy). Seems they don’t do their job to keep you from unscrewing it. It never felt tight or like it shouldn’t go any further

Mar 01, 2023

#12

I have only taken the rack off my 2 dr once and haven’t put it back on because I have not needed it. Since I didn’t have anyone to help me I removed both crossbars then the rails. Was easier to maneuver the clamps that way and takes up less storage space. Only issue with that is that for some reason I can’t understand they used different size torx heads on the front/middle and rear crossbar.

22 Black Diamond 2dr non sas w tow and roof rails.

Jakob1972, ToddGreen

Mar 01, 2023

#13

I'll be removing mine probably this or next weekend when my trailrax one shows up. I'm hoping to not have a problem. Reading through this topic hopefully will help.

Everglades23

Mar 05, 2023

#14

Everglades23
I can definitely update you. We have a string of rain and colder weather for a bit coming in so it may be a few weeks before I try again but I’ll definitely let you know!

Update. Got the roof rack off! I tried to simply push and pull like suggested in this thread with my wife and it simply still wouldn’t work. But a little pry with a screwdriver worked well. It popped right out without much force. You can easily see where it is clasped and I just put it right under and prayed gently and it popped out. Appreciate everyone’s insight and I hope it helps you as well

Jakob1972, ToddGreen

Jul 21, 2023

#15

ToddGreen
Thanks, everyone.

One additional question for the folks who have successfully loosened the triangle bolt to remove the rack:

I've read in other posts about the issue of the bolt being loosened too much and the washer falling out and being difficult to reassemble. So, to avoid doing that, I'm wondering how much you loosen it before trying to take the rack off the roof? I know that's probably a bit difficult to answer, but any guidance would be helpful so I can avoid over-loosening it.

Thanks.

I did (35) 1/2 turns (180 degrees) on each side which was enough to give the metal clamp enough room to travel but not so much that the triangle bolt came off the barrel it connects too.

The metal clamp that needs to drop sorta sticks....but you can reach up and push it down from the top (where you have taken the plastic cap off) to break the friction.

ToddGreen

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