CX-9 roof rack (OEM)

[bladehack]

MY wife and I purchased an '07 CX-9 GT AWD a couple of months ago and it did not come with the factory roof rack. I would like to install the factory roof rack so that I can mount our Thule Weekender cargo box for vacations.

I can see where the rubber strips on the edge of the roofline have plastic clips that can be removed to reveal tapped holes (3 on each side of the roof). Is this all that needs to be accessed for installing the OEM roof rack? Is the installation this simple (ie., no drilling of the roof and no removal of headliner, etc. in the interior)? Has anyone on this forum installed the OEM rack by themselves?

Thanks in advance!

[l-miwa]

Yes, that's all there is to it! The rails came installed on my vehicle, and I was interested in removing them, so I found the installation instruction pdf online somewhere (can't remember exactly where). I haven't actually removed mine yet because I don't have the plastic clips to cover the mounting holes!

[OMF]

The rails came installed on my vehicle, and I was interested in removing them, ..... I haven't actually removed mine yet because I don't have the plastic clips to cover the mounting holes!

l-miwa,

Before you get the plastic clips... Here are two pictures of the installation. Be careful with the removal of the front cover, there is a locking pin that can break off (circled with red) from the front cover. This is not shown in the Installation Instructions!

112888
112887

Good luck,

George

[eldo64]

Do the factory rails hold enough weight for a Thule box? I thought I saw that the specs said 100 lbs. Would it be better to get Yakima Q towers and crossbars? (Thule doesn't make anything that fits the CX-9 yet according to their website.) I'm expecting to buy a CX-9 and want to know how to carry my skis/bikes/etc. A cargo box is probably not in my future, but it'd be nice to know it's feasible! Thanks!

[jrtouareg]

I got tired of waiting for the factory cross bars and purchased the Thule 450 Cross Roads with 50" load bars and they fit fine carrying my Thule 18 cf box. I was going to use it to go on vacation but had to cancel our vacation plans. I'll sell you the 450 system with the load bars for a real good deal. They've never been used. The whole system including locks cost me over $240.00. If you are going to haul bikes, skis, cargo boxes, canoes, etc. This sytem accepts all the Thule attachments. make me an offer.

[ericvic]

My CX-9 didn't come with a factory rack either but we ordered one online and installed it in about 30 minutes, it is very easy.

I think the 100lb limit is for the cross bars, I think the side bars would hold much more than that.

I have two Thule sidearm bike racks on my factory cross bars but I had to make a new rear bracket for each of them because the original one was too short to go around the factory cross bars. I don't think a cargo box would fit on the factory cross bars since they are curved and I think all the Thule, Yakima, etc... cross bars are straight.

Eric

[bladehack]

everyone,

thanks for all the replies...just the info I needed. I'm going to buy the roof rack and rails.

Hopefully, Thule creates a foot to adapt their crossbars to the roof rack.

[OMF]

I think the 100lb limit is for the cross bars, I think the side bars would hold much more than that.

Roof racks have the same load specs: "100 lbs evenly distributed". I do believe this is a very conservative figure with a significant safety factor.

[jrtouareg]

everyone,

thanks for all the replies...just the info I needed. I'm going to buy the roof rack and rails.

Hopefully, Thule creates a foot to adapt their crossbars to the roof rack.

Like I said above, the Thule 450 Cross Roads foot system fits right up to the roof rack side rails. The system uses Thule's cross bars so it fits all of Thule's attachments. The reason the Mazda cross bars took so long to become available is because they have had design issues with them. They could not make them strong enough to carry much more than 50 lbs. I gave up on the cross bars and got the Thule 450 Cross roads system. Much more versatile and have a 220 lb. rating.

[elysium265]

Like I said above, the Thule 450 Cross Roads foot system fits right up to the roof rack side rails. The system uses Thule's cross bars so it fits all of Thule's attachments. The reason the Mazda cross bars took so long to become available is because they have had design issues with them. They could not make them strong enough to carry much more than 50 lbs. I gave up on the cross bars and got the Thule 450 Cross roads system. Much more versatile and have a 220 lb. rating.

The roof rails/cross bars are designed for 100lbs. That is the rating, if you put more than that and have issues (roof dents/deformation or broken rack) you will be out of luck. The Mazda cross bar were stong enough to carrry the 100lb load, because the cross section was used on other Mazda/Ford roof racks. There were other issues not load carrying capactiy.

[OMF]

There were other issues not load carrying capactiy.

So, what were the real issues?

[CX9 SportOwner]

Once we got the rails we ordered, we bought a Mont Blanc Aero Bar Rack from Proline Racks. Fits great with no overhang and holds 100 lbs fine.

installing the factory rails was VERY easy. Again, just be careful with the covers.

[DashingMax]

Update on factory roof rails. For then entire US, these are on backorder. They are due to arrive into the country on August 13 and to your local dealer, a few days thereafter.

I'm having the dealer install mine for I don't want to monkey with a $36k car!

[bladehack]

Well, just got back from our vacation.

Our local Mazda dealership got the OEM roof rails ordered and delivered in under 24 hours. I installed the OEM roof rails in a grand total of 14 minutes, lol. The attached .PDF in this thread was a great help since it let me know that I had to go out and get a T25 torx screwdriver ahead of time.

I purchased the Thule 450 crossroads foot system which adapt to the roof rails very easily. I already had a set of their 58" load bars which are recommended for the CX-9. We used our Thule Weekender cargo box to carry our gear. The combined weight of the Thule 450 feet, 58" load bars and Weekender cargo box was 45 lbs, so technically we were only able to carry another 55 lbs of gear on the roof.

The combo of the OEM roof rails and Thule system seemed so rock solid that we wound up putting about 80 lbs of gear up there and had no problem whatsoever. This was just the hint of wind noise from the addition and we had no problems cruising at 80 mph for the 350 mile one-way trip.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

[DashingMax]

Had my roof rack installed today at the dealer. Still waiting for the cross bars to come in.

Man, what a difference!! The car now looks "complete". Without the roof rack, it just looked like something was missing! :)

[CX9 SportOwner]

agreed Our '9 looked complete after the rails were on too.

[ldcx9]

Where can I purchase the CX-9 Roof Rack on-line?
How much does it cost?
Thank you!

[cx9er]

Where can I purchase the CX-9 Roof Rack on-line?
How much does it cost?
Thank you!

http://http://mazdagear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=541

$194.90

There are other sites too...Google cx-9 accessories....I would stay away from Wayne Mazda

[CX9 SportOwner]

We prdered our rack when we bought our car, so it was included in the financing. The dealer only charged us $199 for the rails and crossbars.

[DashingMax]

We prdered our rack when we bought our car, so it was included in the financing. The dealer only charged us $199 for the rails and crossbars.

Wow! (thumb)
We paid $300 for rails and crossbars when we purchased the car. This included professional installation though.

[CX9 SportOwner]

they would have installed it no extra charge, but I did it myself in about 5 minutes VERY easy

[svofan1]

...Just curious...why do you recommend staying away from Wayne Mazda?...they are the largest in the country...any bad expiriences?....care to share?...thanks..

[cx9er]

SVOFAN I sent you a PM

[njerald]

...Just curious...why do you recommend staying away from Wayne Mazda?...they are the largest in the country...any bad expiriences?....care to share?...thanks..

I haven't had any order problems with 2 orders but their communication SUCKS!!!!!!!

[mattrappnj]

http://http://mazdagear.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=541

$194.90

There are other sites too...Google cx-9 accessories....I would stay away from Wayne Mazda

i too am curious as to why you would say to stay away from wayne mazda...

[stefanovic]

Hi,

I have just purchased CX-9 and now am about to get roof rack to match my skis & bikes Thule racks.

I am planning to get Mazda Roof Rack (without crossbars), and Thule 450 Crossroad Foot. What would be the required length of Thule Rectangular Load Bars to have minimum side overhang? (Or, what would be the minimum Thule Rectangular Load Bars length to fit my car?)

I am planning to order from RackOutfitters.com. Any comments or suggestions.

Regards,
Stefanovic

[ceric]

I recommend buying accessories from mazdaparts.org than mazdagear.com.
They seem to have about the same prices, but the former gives free shipping for purchase over $100. Tax is another concern, though it depends on where you live.
My stuff from mazdaparts.org was shipped within 1-2 days. Both are Mazda dealers, so no difference there.

[TinMan]

Hi,

I have just purchased CX-9 and now am about to get roof rack to match my skis & bikes Thule racks.

I am planning to get Mazda Roof Rack (without crossbars), and Thule 450 Crossroad Foot. What would be the required length of Thule Rectangular Load Bars to have minimum side overhang? (Or, what would be the minimum Thule Rectangular Load Bars length to fit my car?)

I am planning to order from RackOutfitters.com. Any comments or suggestions.

Regards,
Stefanovic

I had 55 and 65 length bars on hand. The 55s were just long enough, but looked dumb. The 65s were too long so I cut them with a metal cut-off blade on my miter saw. I don't remember what the length was and there is a lot of ice outside right now for me to check. I think it was 58 to 60ish.

Also, a warning on fairings: the size fairing Thule says will fit is too long. The next size down would be too short IMO. I had already bought the size they said would fit, so I elected to use a paint stripping heat gun to heat the plastic fairing ends and give them a further rearward bend so the fairing would fit between the rails. A real pain, but the end result was worth it.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Proline racks .com. look at the Mont Blanc aero kits. cheaper than the standard Thules and have virtually no overhang. Quieter too. they will also accept almost any rack attachment, including T-channel mounts.

[live2ski]

Do the OEM crossbars slide in the side rails? can you slide the rails back to the 'Not in Use' position without having to disassemble everything or is it just as easy to take them on/off as needed?

[CX9 SportOwner]

Here is the final rack setup:

Factory Rails (Self Installed) $199
Mont Blanc 47" Aero Bar Kit $170 (Compared to Thule version @ $304)
Thule Peloton Bike Trays $142 / pair (Retails for $125 each)
Thule Stacker Kayak Rack $ 25 (REI Garage Sale. Retails for $120)

(I discovered that the Thule Stacker Kayak rack is actually the Thule Wheel Fork with an added tie-down cap. So I drilled the rivets, slipped the cap off, and revealed the wheel axle slots. I replaced the drilled rivets with a quick release bolt and knob. Sweet.)

With this setup we can carry two kayaks and two bikes.

[wakblak]

Here is the final rack setup:

Mont Blanc 47" Aero Bar Kit $170 (Compared to Thule version @ $304)


Where did you get the Mont Blancs from?

[CX9 SportOwner]

Proline Racks. Great prices

http://www.prolineracks.com/

[wil_]

where to get the rails? http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123701095

[CX9 SportOwner]

Rack system in action. One boat lies over the forks, 2 will rest against the upright forks. Either way still allows 2 bikes on top.

[CX9 SportOwner]

More

By the way, this shows how great Arizona is. These were all taken within a few hours. From Sunrise Ski resort down the Mogollon Rim, Sedona, to Jerome. Around 6000' variance.

[BlackCherry CX9]

I just ordered the roof racks and cross bars for my 2007 CX-9 from http://www.mazdaparts.org/macxrorawicr.html for $250.80 (USD), no taxes plus free shipping. Can't wait to get them, Should arrive tomorrow, to make my Blackcherry look complete.

[CX9 SportOwner]

we see CX-9s occasionally with no rails or anything and they just look unfinished.

If you're planning on carrying anything, I recommend aftermarket crossbars. Factory crossbars are mostly cosmetic.

BTW, has anyone had trouble finding the button that extends the front tie downs? It's a bit hard to locate but I finally found it.

[Mazda Newbie]

Proline racks .com. look at the Mont Blanc aero kits. cheaper than the standard Thules and have virtually no overhang. Quieter too. they will also accept almost any rack attachment, including T-channel mounts.

To resurrect this thread...

I notice Proline also has a set of non-locking crossbars to "fit most factory side rails," and they fit any Thule accessory (ski, bike, etc). The problem is, it looks like the bars are a little long, and have a hefty overhang. But couldn't I save myself ~$70 and just cut the ends down, instead of going with the Mont Blanc kit (assuming I don't mind that they don't lock)? Has anyone done this?

[CX9 SportOwner]

Id lock them. The Mont Blanc is WELL worth a few more bucks. They are also going to be a lot quieter and versatile and fit perfectly without any real overhang

[zoomzack]

I'm looking into adding crossbars to my CX-9 to carry a 16 cu ft cargo box(Sears X-cargo).

The Mont Blanc Aero bar kit( really looks good but by just looking at the pics, it doesn't seem to look as sturdy as the Thule 450 setup.

http://www.prolineracks.com/mont-blanc-3700-aero-wing-crossbars.html

How are the crossbars attached to the bar mounts and how are the bar mounts attached to the side rails?

Thanks!

[Fishrule1]

BTW, has anyone had trouble finding the button that extends the front tie downs? It's a bit hard to locate but I finally found it.


Seriously? I'm going to feel pretty stupid if this is a joke! (smash)

I have a similar issue, however: tandem kayak, the front tie-down for which rubs on the front bumper. Did you make these extenders? If so, how? Thanks.

[CX9 SportOwner]

ZoomZack....
The Mont Blancs are VERY sturdy. The crossbars attach to the towers with a slot over a cam that tightens when you lock them to the rails. They clamp VERY securely to the rails by turning the popout handles and then folding them in and turning the lock. No problems at all. just make sure you use the included fillers for the underneath slot that shows, or they will whistle.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Seriously? I'm going to feel pretty stupid if this is a joke! (smash)

I have a similar issue, however: tandem kayak, the front tie-down for which rubs on the front bumper. Did you make these extenders? If so, how? Thanks.


It was a joke that no one but you caught. I made them. I took large metric bolts, M8's, I think, and screwed them into the two front Tow Hook threads. I made sure the hex heads had the flats on top and bottom, and then marked the corners that were on the sides. Then I ground them flat to match the width of the original flats. Once that was done, I screwed them into the car again, and gently pounded 1 1/4"x1 1/4" steel tubing (OD) onto the bolt heads until they bottomed out against the car frame. Next, I used a nail set to dimple the tubing underneath to keep the bolt heads from moving, and unscrewed the entire assembly. Cut them to length (to remove the damaged part from pounding the end of the tubes), drilled 2 holes for U bolts and painted them black. Then I added the U Bolts, applied threadlock and put nuts on the inside, Added tube caps and that was it. I painted the tubes before I added the U bolts so there would be no paint on the U to wear off. Now, I remove the covers, and screw the bars in, and presto, extended tie downs. I made a matching third bar that slides into the hitch receiver on back for a centered rear tie, also.
I cut mine to 16", but would recommend 18" for better clearance on a shorter boat. (Ours is 13 1/2'). I also cut 3 tennis balls to put on the tubes when we put the boat in the water for shin savers.

[terrybfla]

Do the OEM crossbars slide in the side rails? can you slide the rails back to the 'Not in Use' position without having to disassemble everything or is it just as easy to take them on/off as needed?

The answer is YES. The factory cross bars easily slip on and off. They are 3 part crossbars - the bar and 2 sliding fittings that go in the Roof Rack. The crossbar quickly attaches to the 2 sliding fittings.

I bought mine on Sunday from Mazdaparts.org (Med Center Mazda in Alabama) and they were $250 for Rack & crossbars including shipping. It arrived on Wednesday, so very fast shipping. It was the cheapest price I found after scrounging eBay and the web. Installed in about 10 minutes. Easy.

QUESTION: Since I just installed both the Roof Rack and the crossbars today but want to leave the cross bars off until I need them, my question is do I leave the sliders in the Roof Racks or do I take them out? Anyone that has left the sliders in (without the crossbars) getting any wind noise from them? I can also see theft as an issue here as they are easy to remove from the Roof Racks.

[terrybfla]

It was a joke that no one but you caught. I made them. I took large metric bolts, M8's, I think, and screwed them into the two front Tow Hook threads.

Sport Owner... I am trying to replicate your extensions and am having trouble finding the right bolts. They are definitely not M8's as that is about 1/4 inch in diameter. They are bigger than M12s and bigger than 5/8th inch SAE threads.

Could they be M18s? If so, where did you get these? The local hardware store has nothing that big.

Thanks!

[Fishrule1]

I am trying to replicate your extensions and am having trouble finding the right bolts. They are definitely not M8's as that is about 1/4 inch in diameter. They are bigger than M12s and bigger than 5/8th inch SAE threads.

Could they be M18s? If so, where did you get these? The local hardware store has nothing that big.

Thanks!

Terry, I suggest you bring the tow eye with you to the hardware store. It's under the trap door in the cargo area. Just find a nut that fits and then match the threads.

[Fishrule1]

It was a joke that no one but you caught. I made them.

CX9 SportOwner,

Thanks for the description. I have to say: just brilliant. I'll let you know how mine turn out.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Fish...thats exactly what I did. I found a nut at our local Ace to get the size, then used that to fine the right bolts. They are 4 1/2" Long.

I forgot one detail. I bought 2 nuts also, and ground them down the same as the bolt heads. Installed them on the bolts about 1 1/4" from the end, screwed the bolts onto the car, and THEN pounded the tubes onto them. Then I dimpled the tubes above the heads and below the nuts to keep them in place. The nuts keep the ends from moving in relation to the bolts.

In the photo you can kinda see the nut inside. Note the rounding of the tubing. That's from pounding it onto the threaded barrel on the car.

[terrybfla]

Forgot about the tow eye! Great idea! Thanks!

[wingsfan]

I just had the factory rails & bars installed (included w/ the deal I made) and there is quite a bit of noise. Does anyone know if it is just the cross bars or the whole set-up. I don't think I can take this annoying whistleing sound

Thanks in advance for anyone's insight!

[SeCX-9]

I just had the factory rails & bars installed (included w/ the deal I made) and there is quite a bit of noise. Does anyone know if it is just the cross bars or the whole set-up. I don't think I can take this annoying whistleing sound

Thanks in advance for anyone's insight!


I have the factory rails installed and no noise at all. I have heard that the cross-bars cause noise and should be kept far back from the driver when not in use.

[wingsfan]

I will give it a try

Thanks!

[CX9 SportOwner]

Can I ask what everyone is carrying on their racks? I'm curious why you are using the factory crossbars.

[terrybfla]

Can I ask what everyone is carrying on their racks? I'm curious why you are using the factory crossbars.

Windsurfers, surfboards, sometimes long lumber.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Id much rather use our Mont Blanc bars. Great for pipe and lumber because of the rubber strip on top, and stronger.

How are the tie downs coming?

[Craig-CX9]

Here is the final rack setup:

Factory Rails (Self Installed) $199
Mont Blanc 47" Aero Bar Kit $170 (Compared to Thule version @ $304)
Thule Peloton Bike Trays $142 / pair (Retails for $125 each)
Thule Stacker Kayak Rack $ 25 (REI Garage Sale. Retails for $120)

(I discovered that the Thule Stacker Kayak rack is actually the Thule Wheel Fork with an added tie-down cap. So I drilled the rivets, slipped the cap off, and revealed the wheel axle slots. I replaced the drilled rivets with a quick release bolt and knob. Sweet.)

With this setup we can carry two kayaks and two bikes.

CX9 Sportowner: Where did you find the feet that fit onto the OEM rack?
Thx,
Craig

[Craig-CX9]

I have an '07 GT AWD, the Thule 450 feet and 58" crossbars, and a 21 cf box! I would love to get something better (stylish and secure) than the 450's. Aero bars would be cool too.

Hey, has anyone forgotten about the restricted clearance when you are carrying stuff on your rack? With my Thule box, I am restricted to a clearance of at least 7.5 feet..a little higher to be more comfortable.

Craig

[harryhood]

I am getting an 08 CX9 and want to know more about the load capacity of the factory setup. I don't want to get an aftermarket Thule setup that requires drilling into the roof or is otherwise permanent, but with an 18 cu.ft. Yakima box that weighs about 54 lbs., I don't want to be restricted to 46 lbs worth of cargo up top.

Are there other options out there than the weak OEM setup and the drilled-in Thule feet?

[CX9 SportOwner]

CX9 Sportowner: Where did you find the feet that fit onto the OEM rack?
Thx,
Craig


The Mont Blanc rack comes complete. No buying a lot of different expensive parts.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Fish, how are the tie downs coming?

[scottybue]

Does anyone know off the top of their heads the width (thickness, I guess) of the factory crossbars? Proline has an interesting solution if it will fit (up to 3.5" thick)

http://www.prolineracks.com/64720-roof-bike-racks.html



EDIT- Measured last night, 2.5", so to speak...

[Timobi]

Greetings. I am about to purchase a new 2008 CX-9. :)

Very excited!

It's really down to a Black Cherry Mica or the Galaxy Grey. I like the Black Cherry exterior better but the Galaxy Grey's interior. (rtfm) One has the luggage rack already in place and it's the one I prefer.

To me, most SUV's look a little more complete and sporty with a roof rack installed. The CX-9 however is probably the only one that looks good either way.

Since this thread is about the roof rack I'm assuming most here are in favor of roof rack-ed CX-9? :)

It's simply a cosmetic feature for us as we won't be actually using it.

[davecoyne]

Welcome!

I have mixed feelings on the roof rack. I do not have one on my CX-9 and I will probably not put one on it in the near future. If you're doing it for looks, then by all means get the car the way you want it.

I think the only downside is the little extra wind-resistance the rack will cause. It is tiny, I'm guessing, but still a bit more drag on the car.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Ours looked bare until we put the rack on. now others without it look incomplete, but then we are a lot more active and into USING our CX9

[davecoyne]

I guess then if I don't have the roof rack I must be an inactive slob, eh? ;)

[CX9 SportOwner]

didnt say that. read what I wrote

[davecoyne]

I read what you wrote. You think the CX-9 doesn't look complete w/o the rack. Then you say, but then 'we are active and into USING our CX-9.'

Your remark appears condescending. I was poking fun at it.

[scottybue]

Ugh, have a PM war... (blah)


Anyone have any experience with Proline (the actual brand, not online store) bike racks? Just got a couple for the OEM rack. Wondering what to expect.

[CX9 SportOwner]

No, but am curious how they are.

[CX9 SportOwner]

Fishrule1 How are your tiedowns coming?

[Bhanup]

I just bought a 2008 GT and the dealer offered me free roof rack which will be installed in a week as he doesn't have stock. I realized today that the roof rack will be in black color. I expected that the roof rack will be the same color of my car. Is this true? How the black roof rack looks on the Copper Red CX-9? I still debating to get those installed or bargain for anything else instead of the roof rack. I appreciate your suggestions.

[wnsrfr]

Bhanup, we have a Copper Red that I just put the rack combo generally recommended in this thread--Factory side rails, with the Mont Blanc Aero crossbars. The factory cross-bars are only rated to 100 pounds and are typical arched black thingies like on any car, while the Mont Blanc have a 220 pound rating (or something like that).

On the Copper Red, the Aero cross bars have aluminum ("silver") as the primary color with black highlights. The side rails are black...on the Copper Red, with chrome and black trim on the car, the rack combo looks GREAT but that is just my opinion :)

I've been looking around, the Mont Blanc Aero style is what some pretty styling cars are going with, such as BMW and Mini...I would recommend it both for looks and utility, since the Mont Blanc bars have the strength (as noted in this thread) to handle bigger loads than the factory, and the silver cross bars complement the black side rails and other trim elements very nicely.

[CX9 SportOwner]

I love our Mont Blanc Aeros.