If you have 2009 you have the C channels and all you need are the cross rails.
If you have an EARLY build 2010 (like mine) you have the C channels- and you only need the cross rails.
If you have a later 2010 and 2011- you need to order the C-channel AND cross Rail KIT.
This is the crossrail kit in the box- and Laid out with all the items in the box.
My finger is pointing at the C-Channel.
My finger is pointing at the black strip that ALL Traverses come with….
If you have the later 2010 or 2011.. you have this strip.. but you DON’T have the c-channel above.
You have to check to make sure you have the metal c-channel above.
Note the kit comes with SECURITY torx screws. Note the screw has a stub in the middle.
Regular torx screwdriver will not work- you need the special key that’s provided with the set.
Note it has an open center. If the dealer installed your crossbars- make sure you got the tool….
You need the tool to be able to remove and move the crossbars front/back.
In the channel- there is an ‘opening’ where you can drop in the sliders. This is the only place you can insert them.Its located in the area aboce the rear of the passenger door- on both sides.
Here you insert the slider bar.
You slide one bar to the front- and one to the rear. Do this on both sides. The slider bar has a piece of metal that a screw is attached to—this piece- has ‘teeth’ on it that grab into the c-channel once you tighten the screw- keeping the rails in place.
To install the crossrails- take note of this… the crossrail has a bump on the leading edge- im pretty sure this is related to it making less noise and or aerodynamic properties.
It HAS to point to the front.
Note- one of the crossrails is longer than the other. The longer goes in the FRONT.
On the drivers side- youll want to set the crossrail on the slider- and mate the 2.
Note that you have to insert- and move the slider so that the 2 couple together.
Repeat for the rear.
Since the rails on the top are not STRAIGHT- the crossbars have 2 screws on the passenger side of the crossbars that allow the rail to expand.
Depending on the location of the crossbar- youll may have to pull out or push in- so that this end of the crossbar can mate with the slider.
The drivers side- is not set up to allow it to expand. You can if you like- use your torx key to tighten the screws once you know where youll leave the crossbars.
Repeat for the rear.
Once you know where you will set the front rear (based on your cargo)- you can use the screws to set the rails in place. Repeat for front/rear on left and right side.
Attach the cover and tighten the screw. You will notice that the covers are not identical-
Align the tabs on the cover to the crossbar assembly.
The last step is to insert the rubber cap. My guess is that this cap is there so that the crossbars don’t slide out and fly off. Its possible over time the screws can loosen- and the rail move around and possibly come loose… that’s my guess.
That’s it.
Before and after.
Several notes:
The instructions do make recommendations on where to place the rails if you have the sunroof.
The Instructions do make recommendations on where to place the rails for LEAST wind noise.
