Roofrack threaded holes

[bongo in dorset]

Hi

I have a normal Thule roofrack on the Bongo, which attaches to the roof structure through threaded holes and a bolt. However, the metal tube the bolt goes into, on the back left side, has come out of the roof. It did come out before, and a (Bongo related) garage glued it back in, but that obviously hasn't worked!

I have looked underneath the roof, and its very awkward to see whats there, let alone do anything about it.

I use the roofrack for a sea kayak, and don't want it to fall off! If this has happened on one of the threaded holes, I am also worried about it happening on the others.

Has anyone had this problem before and got any recommendations?

Many thanks

Hugh from Dorset

[mikeonb4c]

Hi

I have a normal Thule roofrack on the Bongo, which attaches to the roof structure through threaded holes and a bolt. However, the metal tube the bolt goes into, on the back left side, has come out of the roof. It did come out before, and a (Bongo related) garage glued it back in, but that obviously hasn't worked!

I have looked underneath the roof, and its very awkward to see whats there, let alone do anything about it.

I use the roofrack for a sea kayak, and don't want it to fall off! If this has happened on one of the threaded holes, I am also worried about it happening on the others.

Has anyone had this problem before and got any recommendations?

Many thanks

Hugh from Dorset

Welcome Hugh

I had to re-seat one of mine a while back. I think it should have a bit that screws in at the bottom (hex faced) to hold it (I don't think gluing is an acceptable subsitute as it will work loose, as you found). Try looking at one of the others to see if you can make out how it works. Yes they are quite well hidden, but I found them not too bad when I came to it. I suspect you would benefit from having the thin/flat metal cycle type open ended spanner to get in ther and hold the hiddne one still while you tighten using hte hex face on the rooftop side of things (which needs a thin walled box spanner to get into the recess!). One you've determined the size, it's time to get ebaying for some of the right sort of spanner

There's been a thread on this problem before so have a search

[Diplomat]

I cant comment on the bolt holes, Hugh, but when I carrry my sea kayak or my cheap and cheerful Mirage I tie the ends down to the towing eyes under the van.

This gives considerable peace of mind. Otherwise I have nightmares of the boat carrying on during heavy braking.

Wonder if you are a Canoe Camping Club member?

Frank

[missfixit70]

Pretty sure Mike's right, the's supposed to be a nut to hold it in place, glue'll only do so much, just think of the forces up there when you're steaming down the motorway.
This one may help - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... rt#p349292

[g8dhe]

There's a photo of a damaged one in the thread but its only a link so is easy to go past it;