Found some Roof Racks but no Torque Wrench - Worth buying?

[gle1234]

I've found some excellent cond. OEM roof racks online for $120, but the seller has lost the coded Torque wrench.

Using the following P/N info I thought I would be able to go to a dealer and test the racks with their wrenches before ordering the correct coded wrench, one of the 10 options here:6Q0-071-712-XX (DU, HO, HS, KX, KR, LK, RL, ST, TV, TP)

However, VW Cricks HWY sent me screens of the Database saying that the part is no longer stocked by VWA or in Germany meaning that they won't be able to supply the part.

- ECS Tuning Wrench + matching bolts Kit will set me back around AUD$130 shipped. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ch/6q0071737g/ . I can't find them in stock in stores that will deliver to Australia at any remotely reasonable price.

This would take me over $250 for the racks, and I'd have to stuff around by putting in the new bolts and I don't really have the cutting tools or the care to do that job.


Are the racks worth pursuing at that price, i.e. are there any local options (SE QLD) at my disposal or should I forget them and wait for a complete set to surface?

appreciate any advice

[Splashalot]

That seems an awful lot of stuffing around just to save a little. I have Thule racks for my GTI and they fit and function a treat. Secure mounting, no wind noise and they haven't marked the paint. (OEM racks are often Thule anyway) From memory I paid $300-something for them.

[benough]

Did you try any of those Roof Rack City places?

[Mattlock]

I have the OEM racks that I got 6 months ago and they have the wrench. I don't like it so I use my own. 4nm is the official setting.


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[brad]

Offer them $50 for them. That's all they are worth without the key.

Then swap out the multipoint bolts for allen heads and use your calibrated fingers to achieve 4Nm

[Mattlock]

My racks use a standard Allen bolt anyway and they have a lockable cover over the top for the security.


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[gldgti]

Also RAK racks make pretty nice quality ones and they are a good price.

[gle1234]

Thanks all. I decided against buying them for now. I want the security of a coded or lockable rack, Roof Rack City didn't have the part, and I'll just hang out for another bargain to surface online I think.

I guess now I'm also open to the alternatives suggested as I don't want to pay RRP for OEM racks either!

[JustCruisn]

My mate had his racks stolen recently. They had coded keys, the thief used a jimmy bar to get them off, totally stuffed the frame above all 4 doors.