Alternating Sides When Installing Yakima Raingutter Towers On 1987 Volkswagen Vanagon

Question:

Hey guys - my rain gutter towers are really hard to screw tight and when I really crank them in only 2 out of the 4 feel stable whereasa the other two dont clamp tight enough and wiggle back and forth a bit. Im wondering if you have any thoughts here or if I should just add a piece of additional rubber in between the clamp and the foot that they are clamping on. Also, the cross bars seem to be loose. Do I need to tighten the bolt at the top of the tower? Do you guys sell that tool separately? Thanks!

asked by: Kyle H

Expert Reply:

One problem that many folks have when installing a roof rack is that they will work on one side of the vehicle to tighten it down and then move to the other side only to find that they cannot get it to tighten up as they need.

When installing the roof rack it is recommended to tighten each side evenly which means you will need to tighten one side a little and then move to the other side and tighten that side the same amount, alternating until the roof rack is secure, much like tightening the lug nuts when putting a spare tire on.

If you find you need to replace the Raingutter Towers, we do offer those. You would need to order part # Y8810137.

For tightening the crossbar, you would need to use the tool that is in in the foot pack. Unfortunately we do not carry that tool. If you find the shear blocks at the top of the towers need to be replaced you can order part # Y8810006. For the Replacement Shear Block Base you would order part # Y8810007.

Another thing to consider is to get new replacement boots, part # Y8810008. This will possibly help you to be able to tighten the legs a bit more.