1. Easy Instructions on Installing Roof Rails for 2024 Outlander * bigfinish.com

Embark on a new level of practicality and style with your 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander by installing a set of roof rails. These versatile accessories not only enhance the vehicle’s aesthetics but also provide a convenient and secure solution for transporting luggage, cargo, and outdoor gear. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or embarking on an extended road trip, roof rails offer a valuable upgrade that expands the functionality of your Outlander.

Installing roof rails on your 2024 Outlander is a straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and a bit of patience. By following the provided instructions and ensuring proper fitment, you can enjoy the benefits of increased cargo capacity without compromising the sleek design of your vehicle. Furthermore, the addition of roof rails enhances the vehicle’s versatility and value, making it a worthwhile investment for both daily commutes and occasional adventures.

With the increased flexibility and functionality that roof rails provide, you’ll be able to carry items that might not fit comfortably inside your Outlander. From bicycles to kayaks, skis to luggage, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, the aerodynamic design of the rails minimizes noise and wind resistance, ensuring a quiet and comfortable driving experience. Embrace the versatility and convenience of roof rails on your 2024 Outlander, and open up a world of possibilities for your next journey.

Gathering Essential Tools and Materials

Before embarking on the roof rail installation process, it is crucial to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need:

Essential Tools:

Socket wrench and appropriate sockets: You’ll need a socket wrench with the correct socket sizes to loosen and tighten the bolts that secure the roof rails to the vehicle.
Torque wrench: A torque wrench is essential for applying the proper amount of torque when tightening the bolts. This ensures the roof rails are securely fastened without overtightening.
Phillips head screwdriver: A Phillips head screwdriver is required to remove the interior trim panels that provide access to the roof rail mounting points.
Measuring tape or ruler: A measuring tape or ruler is helpful for verifying the alignment of the roof rails before tightening them.
Center punch: A center punch is used to create a small indent at the center of the mounting holes, which helps guide the drill bit when creating the pilot holes.
Drill: A drill is necessary for creating pilot holes in the roof of the vehicle where the roof rails will be mounted.
Safety glasses: Safety glasses are essential for protecting your eyes from debris and shavings while drilling or tightening bolts.

Essential Materials:

Roof rails: The obvious essential item, obviously. The roof rails are the main component of the installation and should be obtained from a reputable retailer.
Washers and bolts: Washers and bolts are typically included with the roof rails but verify their availability before starting the installation.
Thread sealant: Thread sealant is applied to the bolts to prevent water and debris from entering the mounting holes.
Isopropyl alcohol: Isopropyl alcohol is used to clean the mounting surfaces of the roof and the roof rails before installation.
Masking tape: Masking tape can be used to mark the alignment of the roof rails and to protect the paint around the mounting holes during drilling.

Preparing the Roof of Your Outlander

Cleaning and Inspecting the Roof

Thoroughly clean the roof of your Outlander to remove any dirt, debris, or wax that may interfere with the installation. Use a mild car wash soap and a soft cloth. Rinse the roof thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely with a clean towel.

Measuring and Marking the Rail Positions

Determine the correct position for the roof rails based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Measure the distance between the front and rear edges of the roof and mark the center point. Use a straightedge to ensure the rails are aligned parallel to the edges of the roof.

Checking for Obstructions

Carefully inspect the roof of your Outlander for any existing holes, wires, or other obstructions that may interfere with the installation. If you find any obstructions, you may need to consult a professional mechanic or installer for assistance.

Prepping the Rail Mounting Points

Identify the mounting points for the roof rails on the roof of your Outlander. These points are usually indicated by small raised areas or pre-drilled holes. Clean and dry the mounting points thoroughly using a wire brush or a degreaser.

Materials Needed

1. 8mm socket wrench

2. 10mm socket wrench

3. Phillips head screwdriver

4. 12-inch ratchet extension

5. Roof rail mounting brackets (front)

6. Roof rail mounting bolts (front)

7. Roof rail end caps

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Remove the Rear Bumper Cover

Locate the bolts holding the bumper cover in place. Remove these bolts using an 8mm socket wrench.
Gently pull the bumper cover away from the vehicle, starting from the bottom corners.
Disconnect any electrical connectors or hoses attached to the cover.

2. Remove the Tail Lights

Locate the bolts holding the tail lights in place. Remove these bolts using a 10mm socket wrench.
Disconnect the electrical connectors for the tail lights.

3. Install the Roof Rail Mounting Brackets (Front)

Locate the designated mounting points for the front roof rail brackets on the roof of your vehicle.
Align the brackets with the mounting points and secure them temporarily using the provided bolts.
Tighten the bolts using a 10mm socket wrench and a 12-inch ratchet extension.
Once the brackets are securely in place, remove the temporary bolts and replace them with the permanent ones provided in the kit.
Tighten the permanent bolts securely using the same tools.

4. Reinstall the Tail Lights

Connect the electrical connectors for the tail lights.
Align the tail lights with their respective mounting points and secure them using the bolts you removed earlier.
Tighten the bolts using a 10mm socket wrench.

5. Reinstall the Rear Bumper Cover

Align the rear bumper cover with the vehicle and reconnect any electrical connectors or hoses.
Gently push the bumper cover back into place until it snaps into position.
Tighten the bolts removed earlier using an 8mm socket wrench.

Attaching the Roof Rails to the Brackets

Now that the brackets are securely fastened to the roof, it’s time to attach the roof rails. This should be a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Start by aligning the roof rails with the brackets.
Gently lift the rails up and into place, making sure that they fit snugly into the brackets.
Once the rails are in place, use the bolts, nuts, and washers provided in the kit to secure them to the brackets.
Tighten the bolts securely, but be careful not to overtighten them. Overtightening can damage the bolts or the roof of the vehicle.

Here’s a more detailed description of step 4:

Step 4: Tightening the Bolts
Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque. This torque value will be listed in the instructions provided with the roof rack kit. If you don’t have a torque wrench, you can tighten the bolts by hand as tightly as possible without overtightening them. Overtightening the bolts can damage the bolts or the roof of the vehicle.

Once the roof rails are securely attached to the brackets, your installation is complete. You can now enjoy the convenience and versatility of having a roof rack on your vehicle.

Tightening and Securing the Rails

5. Tightening the Bolts and Cover Installation

Once the rails are in place, you’ll need to tighten the bolts that secure them to the roof. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the correct specification. The torque values for your specific vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual or by consulting with a mechanic. Once the bolts have been tightened, install the protective covers over them to prevent water and dirt from entering the bolt holes.

Table: Torque Specifications for Roof Rail Bolts

Bolt Size	Torque (ft-lbs)
M6	7-9
M8	11-13
M10	14-16

With the rails properly tightened and the covers installed, your roof rails will be secure and ready to use for carrying luggage, bikes, or other items on the roof of your 2024 Outlander.

Installing the Rear Mounting Brackets

Before beginning, ensure your vehicle is parked on a level surface with the parking brake engaged. Gather the necessary tools, including the manufacturer-provided bolts, washers, and torque wrench.

Step 1: Position the Brackets

Locate the designated mounting points on the roof of your Outlander. These are typically indicated by pre-drilled holes or raised sections. Position the rear mounting brackets over the designated points, aligning the holes.

Step 2: Insert the Bolts

Insert the provided bolts through the holes in the brackets and the pre-drilled holes on the roof. Use washers to prevent the bolts from loosening due to vibration.

Step 3: Partially Tighten the Bolts

Using the torque wrench, hand-tighten the bolts until they are snug but not fully tightened. This allows for some adjustment during the next step.

Step 4: Install the Covers

Place the provided covers over the bolt heads and snap them into place. These covers protect the bolts from the elements and give the installation a finished look.

Step 5: Tighten the Bolts to Specification

Using the torque wrench, tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer for the correct torque value. Ensure the bolts are securely tightened to prevent looseness.

Step 6: Check the Installation

Once the rear mounting brackets are installed, visually inspect the installation for any loose bolts, misalignment, or damage. If everything appears to be in order, mount the roof rails onto the brackets and tighten them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Component	Number	Torque (ft-lbs)
Rear Mounting Brackets	4	Manufacturer’s specification

Connecting the Rails to the Rear Brackets

With the rails now secured to the front brackets, it’s time to connect them to the rear brackets. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through this step:

1. Position the Rails

Place the rear ends of the rails over the rear brackets.

2. Insert the Bolts

Locate the bolts and washers that came with the roof rail kit. Insert a bolt through each rear bracket and into the corresponding hole in the rail.

3. Tighten the Bolts

Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to tighten the bolts securely. Ensure that they are sufficiently snug to hold the rails in place but not so tight that they damage the bolts or brackets.

4. Adjust the Rails

Once the bolts are tightened, check the position of the rails. They should be parallel to each other and level with the roofline. If necessary, make fine adjustments to the bolts to achieve the desired alignment.

5. Secure the Covers

Locate the covers or caps that came with the roof rail kit and place them over the bolts at the rear brackets. These covers will conceal the bolts and provide a finished look.

6. Repeat for the Other Side

Repeat steps 1-5 to connect the rails to the opposite rear bracket.

7. Check and Retighten (Optional)

After all four rails are connected to the brackets, it’s a good idea to check the tightness of the bolts after a few drives. This ensures that the rails remain securely attached during use.

Tool	Use
Socket wrench or screwdriver	Tightening bolts
Tape measure or level	Adjusting rail alignment

Leveling and Aligning the Rails

8. Measuring and Adjusting the Rail Position

With the rails set loosely in place, it’s essential to measure and adjust their position to ensure they are level and aligned. Use a measuring tape to determine the distance between the center of each rail and the edge of the roof. Adjust the rail brackets as necessary to ensure the distance is equal on both sides.

Next, use a straight edge or level to check if the rails are level from front to back. Adjust the brackets again to level the rails if needed. Finally, check the rails for alignment by placing a straightedge or measuring tape across the top of the rails. Ensure the straightedge or tape runs parallel to the roof’s edge and that the rails are perfectly aligned.

Here’s a table summarizing the measurements and adjustments:

Measurement	Adjustment
Distance from rail center to roof edge	Adjust bracket position to equalize distance on both sides
Rail level (front-to-back)	Adjust brackets to level rails
Rail alignment (side-to-side)	Adjust brackets to align rails parallel to roof edge

Sealing and Waterproofing the Joints

Properly sealing and waterproofing the joints between the roof rails and the roof of your Outlander is crucial to prevent leaks and damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clean and Surface Preparation

Thoroughly clean the surfaces where the roof rails will be installed, removing dirt, debris, and any old adhesive or sealant.

2. Apply Primer (Optional)

For improved adhesion, you can apply a suitable primer to the cleaned surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

3. Apply Sealant

Use a high-quality sealant to seal the gaps between the roof rails and the roof. Choose a sealant that is compatible with both the roof and rail materials.

4. Seal the Joints

Carefully fill the joints with sealant, ensuring that there are no air bubbles or gaps. Use a sealant gun or a brush to apply the sealant evenly.

5. Smooth and Clean

Smooth the sealant surface using a wet finger or a spatula. Remove any excess sealant or adhesive from the surfaces.

6. Additional Sealing

For added protection, you can apply additional sealant around the edges of the roof rails. This will help to create a watertight seal.

7. Allow to Cure

Give the sealant ample time to cure and adhere properly. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the curing time.

8. Weatherproofing

To further enhance the water resistance of the joints, you can apply a weatherproofing agent or coating. This will protect the sealant from the elements.

9. Inspect and Test for Leaks

After the sealant has cured completely, inspect the joints for any gaps or leaks. If you notice any moisture, re-apply sealant as necessary. You can also perform a water test by spraying water onto the roof rails and checking for any leaks.

Tip	Details
Use a sealant compatible with the materials involved.	This ensures proper adhesion and durability.
Apply sealant in small sections.	This helps prevent air bubbles and ensures a consistent seal.
Use a sealant gun with the correct nozzle size.	This allows for precise application and prevents excessive sealant usage.

Finishing Touches and Considerations

Tightening the Bolts

Once the side rails are in place, thoroughly tighten the bolts that secure them to the roof. Use a torque wrench to ensure they are tightened to the specified torque, usually around 18-25 ft-lbs or as indicated in the instructions.

Checking for Leaks

After installing the roof rails, give your vehicle a thorough wash to check for any leaks. Observe the interior for any signs of water ingress, especially around the roofline and the areas where the rails were mounted.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain the integrity of your roof rails, clean them regularly with a mild detergent and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Retighten the bolts occasionally, especially after transporting heavy loads.

Considerations

Before installing roof rails, consider the following factors:

Factor	Considerations
Weight Capacity	Determine the maximum weight that the roof rails can safely support, including the weight of any cargo or accessories.
Vehicle Warranty	Check if installing roof rails may void any existing warranties on your vehicle.
Roof Height	Consider the increased height of your vehicle with roof rails installed, especially when entering garages or other low-clearance areas.
Rooftop Accessories	Ensure that the roof rails are compatible with any existing or planned rooftop accessories, such as bike racks or cargo boxes.
Installation Complexity	Assess the level of difficulty involved in installing the roof rails yourself. If you are not confident, consider seeking professional assistance.

How to Install Roof Rails on a 2024 Outlander

Installing roof rails on a 2024 Outlander is a relatively straightforward task that can be completed in under an hour with the right tools and materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Gather your materials: You will need a set of roof rails, a drill, a screwdriver, and a set of metric sockets.
2. Prepare the vehicle: Park the Outlander on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
3. Position the roof rails: Place the roof rails on the vehicle and align them with the mounting points on the roof.
4. Secure the roof rails: Use the bolts and washers provided in the kit to secure the roof rails to the mounting points. Tighten the bolts securely, but do not overtighten.
5. Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery.
6. Check the installation: Check that the roof rails are securely installed and that they do not interfere with any other components of the vehicle.