Roof rack bracket rust on inner threads

While installing my pro rack, I noticed rust on the threaded portion of the bracket that’s installed under the headliner. I assume the last person didn’t use anything for water prevention.

I cleaned it up well with oil and then went over it with alcohol. Applied plenty of 3M auto sealant around the hole and on the bolt threads as well. Has anyone ran into rust on their bracket mount threads?

 

This is what the thread on my '21 looked like recently when I removed the 2010 to 2013 Trail rack to reinstall the factory rails (may need to zoom in on the picture). The Trail rails were mounted for almost 3 years and mounted as per factory with the appropriate mastic washers.

 

They look much better than mine. Mine is a 2022. I believe the previous owner had an aftermarket rack and put the factory rails back on it before selling it. Less than 20K miles when I bought it. I really don’t want to go through the hassle of dropping the headliner but I guess I’m going to once the weather cools off.

 

I am getting ready to change out my rack. Thank you for sharing the potential problems that can occur.

 

You’re welcome! Just make sure to back each each bolt out equally or your inner bracket mount might fall out on one side. I don’t think it’ll be an issue for mine but I’ll probably replace my brackets once summer is over and some cooler weather comes in.

 

Thanks again.

 

Hey
It looks to me like water only got in because the metal has chipped off there - you can see around the top of the threaded hole. It likely doesn’t look like that amount of rust at every hole does it?
I’ve removed my factory rack and reinstalled twice. As long as you keep the rubber washer on? It’s typically safe