[LizzyB]

I have been trying to remove the roof basket and rails to deep clean the roof. One of the basket screws does spin but won’t come out. I dont want to break it unless I seriously have to b/c it cost almost $4 for 1 screw. Can someone help/ explain! The other 3 come out easily. I will attach a picture of the type of screw.

 

[Satito]

If you can't get PBblaster in there (it's pretty tight) you may have to try the following steps.
1)Try to unscrew it
2) Try to tighten it
3) unscrew
4) tighten
Basically you're wiggling it back and forth. The idea is that if there is some corrosion and or debris that has managed to work it's way in there (contrary to popular belief stainless steel does rust) this will help loosen it up. If there is dirt and debris in the threads, simply trying to straight up unscrew it can cause the dirt to ball up and bind the screw completely. If it starts to unscrew remember to tighten it back every so often BEFORE it starts to bind. If you manage to get it to back off a bit spray the PB Blaster in there and let it soak. I would put a rag down under the bars so that you don't get PB on your paint.

Some of the other guys might have some thoughts.

 

[MeToo]

Can you remove the rack from the X and get to them from that angle, or is it screwed directly into the roof?

 

[Satito]

They're screwed directly into the aluminum roof rack bars.

 

[Panama]

If it spins but does not come out your rivnut is no longer holding tight to the roof rack bar.
All 4 of mine were spinning like that. I had to:
1. cut the head of the hook-screw off with a dremel tool
2. drill out the old screws and rivnuts from the roof rack tube
3. resize the roof rack tube hole for the new metric M6 size rivnuts that could accept 4 new (used) hook-screws
4. install 4 new M6 size rivnuts (with my new Amazon rivnut tool with assorted rivnuts: Amazon.com: Muzata Hand Rivet Tool Nut Setter Kit,Heavy Duty Thread Blind Riveting Tools,Wrench Nut Sert,5pc Metric Mandrels and 100pc M3/M4/M5/M6/M8 Rivnuts,Rugged Carrying Case RK01: Industrial & Scientific)
5. screw in my used (from EBay) hook-screws

It was not that hard of a job and the alumininum rivnuts will not rust like the factory rivnuts.

 

[LizzyB]

Thanks for the advice -- ill probably have to cut it out since PB won't loosen it 😣