Thank you for posting a helpful clearly made video showing this installation. It is very helpful especially appreciate the measurements between the bars. Couldn’t find that info anywhere on Mazda’s site.
Worth noting that when you install, the rear side rail will appear slightly higher than the front one... probably to compensate for the slope of the vehicle. Just installed mine on a 2018 CX-9 and looks like most of the parts are identical. Only change is that gone are those black foam spacers and replaced with some strange (and thin) adhesive pre-mount. And yes, dropping one screw into the housing of the roof rail is a major PITA, so follow his advice and go with the magnetic screwdriver!
I put brushed aluminum 20 x 8.5" wheels on my Soul Red, so I'm thinking the roof rails will match with the wheels and be a good look. I'll probably never put anything up there, but always nice to have the option if it comes up.
The side rails are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R09, list price $349.95 The cross bars are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R07, list price $249.95 Various sellers have these parts on discount. These parts are new for 2017, and not compatible with earlier CX-5 models. Nor will the old side rails work for the 2017 model.
I ordered my parts with BAM Wholesale $280 for side rails and $190 for cross bars - labor was a six pack of beer for my brother! Felt so good not to pay the dealer the $1200 they wanted for the job:) . Got the Thule Force L box on top - fits perfectly
@@victorkonon Sorry, I don't know why 2017+ roof racks are not compatible with earlier CX-5 models, or even when compatibility might end. Best idea is check the Mazda parts site.
I don't know if you got your cargo box, I couldn't find your video, but there is a way you can program your rear hatch to not open all the way up (while your have the cargo box installed), then you could reset it to open all the way to top position. Just a thought. I just received the roof rails, and haven't even ordered the cross bars yet. Great job on the video, I found the cargo box in grey which I think would match my car better since it's metallic silver, but that's a different story. Hope this helps someone.
Hi George, I am looking to do the opposite (remove roof rails and install black moulding). I purchased the moulding and attempted to do the switch. Were there any screws that kept the original black moulding fastened to the roof? it seems there is not enough to keep them situated as is (the ones I purchased). Thanks!
Nice video. Just bought a cx9 grand touring that came w rails, but ordered the racks online. Looks like a pain, but this is a helpful video. TYVM. Any tip on the cx9 you can give a new owner?
Do the racks leave enough clearance for the shark fin antenna? Thinking of getting these rails for my brother since he just bought a new CX-5. Thanks for the video by the way. Very informative.
Hi George, great video! I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind. Did you happen to notice a significant wind noise increase after installing the cross bars and driving with open moonroof? Also, do you think the cross bars are engineered to be taken on and off multiple times, or should you just keep them on once they are installed?
Thanks! I never open the sunroof, so I don't know about the wind noise. I never take off the crossbars, it's a pain working on those screws and I'm afraid of wearing out the heads.
My instructions showed to torque the bolts to the roof at 12-14Nm. Luckily I have a torque wrench but I couldn’t reach that torque setting with just the screwdriver handle. The video is great though to demonstrate just how easy the task is.
Does anyone know where I can get some new packing sheets? I called the Parts department of my local Mazda dealer (as directed by Mazda corporate) and they didn't have any. I removed the rack from my old lease (2020 model) and am going to put it on a 2023 CX-5 (they should fit ... crossing my fingers LOL). I can buy polyurethane foam online and cut to size but not sure if it will have the same texture/grade as the packing sheets.
Nicely done video. But with advertisers claiming that one roof rack will fit the 2015 - 2017, it would have been nice to list the part number of the rack and crossbars
George - thanks for posting - I'm going to install mine when my brother comes for Thanksgiving and will let you know how it goes - appreciate the guidance
Do you notice the inner rubber edge of the side rail doesn't quite sit flush against the paint? I notice a decent gap down the entire inner edge side rail. Not sure there is anything I can do.
Can you measure how wide/long the front and rear crossbar are (from the edge of the mount to the other one)? It looks like it's about 30 inches long but would like to know exactly, can't find that online anywhere. Thanks!
Dealership installed my roof rails but my crossbars were backordered. Had them shipped to my house because the dealer isnt that close. Front crossbar fits fine. The rear one wont fit. Even if i take the rubber spacers out. The bar is as narrow as can be and the bar is positioned correctly.
Anthony, this information is 3 years old, FWIW. The side rails are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R09, list price $349.95 The cross bars are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R07, list price $249.95 Various sellers have these parts on discount. These parts are new for 2017, and not compatible with earlier CX-5 models.
Hi George - I’m attempting to put mine on and it seems like the holes do not line up. They are fine front-to-back but they don’t match up side-to-side (driver side-to-passenger side). Did you have this problem at all? Any tips?
@@GeorgePowers thanks for the reply. It does seem to be the OEM part for my 2018. Hopefully this link works with a picture: ibb.co/P6NkLhH This is the hole furthest back on the passenger side. All the others on this side have been tightened enough to only stay on. When I began the driver side, it didn’t seem like ANY of them were lined up well, in my opinion.
@@michallageer186 Thanks for the pic. I think you can see most of the threaded screw hole through the hole in the rack. If that's the case, then you may need to push the rack so the holes align better, or maybe lever the holes into alignment by inserting a narrow screwdriver. Best to proceed gently, maybe loosen the other screws first.
@@GeorgePowers I ended up needing a second person to start the screw while I pulled the rail into position. For being an OEM part I was quite surprised at how different each side was (one side fit on without much issue) and how much adjustment was needed. But in either case it, it’s on and I just hope they don’t cause issue when I put anything up there! Thanks for the help.
George, hope you're still checking the comments on this video. Can you please measure how far back the leading edge of the front crossbar sits back from the front windshield? I need to see if the bike rack carrier I want is short enough to fit and still allow the rear hatch to open. Thanks!
Awesome, thanks so much! If you can let me know your measurement method that would also be a huge help (lay down tape measure to follow the curve of the roof, or keep it straight, if that makes sense).
Or, a better measurement may be between the leading edge of the front crossbar all the way back to the rear hatch when open. I'm looking for at least 55 inches to be able to install the bike carrier I want. Thanks again!
OK, leading edge to raised hatch is 51.5" at the level of the crossbars, measured at center. Could be a problem with your bike carrier. The distance from leading edge to top of windshield is 22.5"
Thanks for measuring. I've found some bike carriers that are 50" long that I've used before, and there is a way to modify them a bit to slide forward another inch or so. The rear wheel of the bike hangs over an inch or two past the end of the carrier. It will be a tight fit, but I'll survive. Worst case is the rear hatch is almost fully opened and stops when it hits a bike tire. That's a much better situation than it hitting the metal bike carrier.
Hi Joe, thanks for your comments, I'm strictly amateur, and that's just duct tape. I bought a Thule Force Alpine cargo box, which is perfect for four pair of skis. The installation was trivial, just unbox, put on rack, slide forward, and tighten the clamps. It barely leaves room in back to raise the CX-5 rear hatch, but it fits. I like that this cargo box is long enough, but not much bigger than we need to fit our skis, so we avoid excess wind resistance, noise, and weight.
@@GeorgePowers Thanks George... I just bough them I have a question for you... in one of the sides of the bars there are two screws that are fixed and in the other side there are two that are in a kind of a slicer that allows the bar to make it bigger... well the thing is that I cannot tight those screws... I mean I can tight them but the bar continues slicing... and the question is it it tis that the way they are supposed to work? BTW... the max load combined ( between the two bars) 165lb
Yes, you can remove the cross bars without loosening the side rails. I have not removed the cross bars yet, partly because it isn't easy to access the mounting screws.
Hi Daniel! The racks' lower sides are about 2.5" above the roof, and the top sides about 3.25" above the roof. I took these measurements just inside the support brackets, which add about 0.25" in either direction. It looks like the racks arch to provide a little more clearance in the middle. Just to be clear, by "rack" I mean the cross bar.
Lol no I was just curious where the next part was. Possible interest in find one for my wife's CX-5 and really enjoyed this video and was curious how you fared with the box itself and how you liked it!
We bought the Thule Force Alpine box from REI, though they don't seem to carry it any more. We have used it a few times to carry skis, and it has worked very nicely. It is long enough to fit three or four pair of skis, which is our main purpose. I like that it fits on the CX-5 without interfering with the tail gate opening. This box is narrower than most, since it is not intended for camping, moving, or other bulky cargo. That's great for ski trips, less air resistance and less wind noise. I can mount and unmount the box myself, preferably using a step ladder to reach in and work the clamps. Then I can load/unload skis by stepping on the door thresholds. You may need to remove the box to park in some public garages, so watch out for that!
Thank you for posting a helpful clearly made video showing this installation. It is very helpful especially appreciate the measurements between the bars. Couldn’t find that info anywhere on Mazda’s site.
Really clear explanation and instruction on how to go about this installation, highlighting all the critical check points. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Sir! I installed this roof rack today -it was super easy after watching your videio.
Worth noting that when you install, the rear side rail will appear slightly higher than the front one... probably to compensate for the slope of the vehicle. Just installed mine on a 2018 CX-9 and looks like most of the parts are identical. Only change is that gone are those black foam spacers and replaced with some strange (and thin) adhesive pre-mount. And yes, dropping one screw into the housing of the roof rail is a major PITA, so follow his advice and go with the magnetic screwdriver!
the duct tape was brilliant!! great video, thanks.
Extremely helpful. Thanks for taking the time to create a very helpful video that is very to the point.
Thank you George .excellent explanation , very helpful. Any recomendations on where to purchase Railing system for 2023 CX9?
I think I bought the rails on-line, and the crossbars at a dealer, just shopping for availability and price.
Do you find the caps look ugly? Good video. Thanks for posting.
I put brushed aluminum 20 x 8.5" wheels on my Soul Red, so I'm thinking the roof rails will match with the wheels and be a good look. I'll probably never put anything up there, but always nice to have the option if it comes up.
The side rails are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R09, list price $349.95
The cross bars are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R07, list price $249.95
Various sellers have these parts on discount.
These parts are new for 2017, and not compatible with earlier CX-5 models.
Nor will the old side rails work for the 2017 model.
I ordered my parts with BAM Wholesale $280 for side rails and $190 for cross bars - labor was a six pack of beer for my brother! Felt so good not to pay the dealer the $1200 they wanted for the job:) . Got the Thule Force L box on top - fits perfectly
do you have for mazda 6 2014
Why the pre-2017 CX5 roof racks not compatible with the 2017+ models? Do bolts have different offset?
@@victorkonon Sorry, I don't know why 2017+ roof racks are not compatible with earlier CX-5 models, or even when compatibility might end. Best idea is check the Mazda parts site.
I don't know if you got your cargo box, I couldn't find your video, but there is a way you can program your rear hatch to not open all the way up (while your have the cargo box installed), then you could reset it to open all the way to top position. Just a thought. I just received the roof rails, and haven't even ordered the cross bars yet. Great job on the video, I found the cargo box in grey which I think would match my car better since it's metallic silver, but that's a different story. Hope this helps someone.
Hi George, I am looking to do the opposite (remove roof rails and install black moulding). I purchased the moulding and attempted to do the switch. Were there any screws that kept the original black moulding fastened to the roof? it seems there is not enough to keep them situated as is (the ones I purchased). Thanks!
Nice video. Just bought a cx9 grand touring that came w rails, but ordered the racks online. Looks like a pain, but this is a helpful video. TYVM. Any tip on the cx9 you can give a new owner?
Do the racks leave enough clearance for the shark fin antenna? Thinking of getting these rails for my brother since he just bought a new CX-5. Thanks for the video by the way. Very informative.
On our 2017 model the rack did not interfere with the antenna.
Thank you so much for your details. Easy to me for installation.👍
Hi George, great video! I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind. Did you happen to notice a significant wind noise increase after installing the cross bars and driving with open moonroof? Also, do you think the cross bars are engineered to be taken on and off multiple times, or should you just keep them on once they are installed?
Thanks! I never open the sunroof, so I don't know about the wind noise. I never take off the crossbars, it's a pain working on those screws and I'm afraid of wearing out the heads.
My instructions showed to torque the bolts to the roof at 12-14Nm. Luckily I have a torque wrench but I couldn’t reach that torque setting with just the screwdriver handle.
The video is great though to demonstrate just how easy the task is.
Why the pre-2017 CX5 roof racks not compatible with the 2017+ models? Do bolts have different offset?
Does anyone know where I can get some new packing sheets? I called the Parts department of my local Mazda dealer (as directed by Mazda corporate) and they didn't have any.
I removed the rack from my old lease (2020 model) and am going to put it on a 2023 CX-5 (they should fit ... crossing my fingers LOL). I can buy polyurethane foam online and cut to size but not sure if it will have the same texture/grade as the packing sheets.
Nicely done video. But with advertisers claiming that one roof rack will fit the 2015 - 2017, it would have been nice to list the part number of the rack and crossbars
George - thanks for posting - I'm going to install mine when my brother comes for Thanksgiving and will let you know how it goes - appreciate the guidance
Hi Sharon, I hope your install went smoothly. Let me know if you have any advice you may have learned the hard way.
Yes - thanks to your video - we were prepared - took us about an hour and made me feel great for doing it ourselves!
Hey congrats, and thanks for the feedback!
Do you notice the inner rubber edge of the side rail doesn't quite sit flush against the paint? I notice a decent gap down the entire inner edge side rail. Not sure there is anything I can do.
Does the sunroof hit the crossbar when its fully opened?
The sunroof does not hit the crossbar at any point.
Can you measure how wide/long the front and rear crossbar are (from the edge of the mount to the other one)? It looks like it's about 30 inches long but would like to know exactly, can't find that online anywhere. Thanks!
The width between mounts is 32", while the width between side-rails is 42".
Hola ! Excelente video! Donde se puede comprar ese kit de instalación ?
Dealership installed my roof rails but my crossbars were backordered. Had them shipped to my house because the dealer isnt that close. Front crossbar fits fine. The rear one wont fit. Even if i take the rubber spacers out. The bar is as narrow as can be and the bar is positioned correctly.
@GeorgePowers do you have the ordering/part information ? After watching I think I'm leaning toward the install on my CX-5.
Anthony, this information is 3 years old, FWIW.
The side rails are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R09, list price $349.95
The cross bars are Mazda Part No. 0000-8L-R07, list price $249.95
Various sellers have these parts on discount.
These parts are new for 2017, and not compatible with earlier CX-5 models.
Thank you for making this video, George. How long would this take the average person to install on their CX-5....in your opinion?
I think it would take two hours if you have the tools already. Good luck!
Hi bro., for a mazda 3 2018?.
Hi George - I’m attempting to put mine on and it seems like the holes do not line up. They are fine front-to-back but they don’t match up side-to-side (driver side-to-passenger side). Did you have this problem at all? Any tips?
Sorry I did not have a problem with hole alignment. Maybe post a picture? Do you have the right match for rack and model year?
@@GeorgePowers thanks for the reply. It does seem to be the OEM part for my 2018. Hopefully this link works with a picture:
ibb.co/P6NkLhH
This is the hole furthest back on the passenger side. All the others on this side have been tightened enough to only stay on.
When I began the driver side, it didn’t seem like ANY of them were lined up well, in my opinion.
@@michallageer186 Thanks for the pic. I think you can see most of the threaded screw hole through the hole in the rack. If that's the case, then you may need to push the rack so the holes align better, or maybe lever the holes into alignment by inserting a narrow screwdriver. Best to proceed gently, maybe loosen the other screws first.
@@GeorgePowers I ended up needing a second person to start the screw while I pulled the rail into position. For being an OEM part I was quite surprised at how different each side was (one side fit on without much issue) and how much adjustment was needed. But in either case it, it’s on and I just hope they don’t cause issue when I put anything up there! Thanks for the help.
George, hope you're still checking the comments on this video. Can you please measure how far back the leading edge of the front crossbar sits back from the front windshield? I need to see if the bike rack carrier I want is short enough to fit and still allow the rear hatch to open. Thanks!
Hi Chris, I will measure when I get home.
Awesome, thanks so much! If you can let me know your measurement method that would also be a huge help (lay down tape measure to follow the curve of the roof, or keep it straight, if that makes sense).
Or, a better measurement may be between the leading edge of the front crossbar all the way back to the rear hatch when open. I'm looking for at least 55 inches to be able to install the bike carrier I want. Thanks again!
OK, leading edge to raised hatch is 51.5" at the level of the crossbars, measured at center. Could be a problem with your bike carrier.
The distance from leading edge to top of windshield is 22.5"
Thanks for measuring. I've found some bike carriers that are 50" long that I've used before, and there is a way to modify them a bit to slide forward another inch or so. The rear wheel of the bike hangs over an inch or two past the end of the carrier. It will be a tight fit, but I'll survive. Worst case is the rear hatch is almost fully opened and stops when it hits a bike tire. That's a much better situation than it hitting the metal bike carrier.
Do you know what the spacer and packing are for? Is it necessary for install?
Nice job on the video. Professional “how to”. Looking forward to your cargo box install. Your duct tape looked a lot like gaffers tape. Are you a pro?
Hi Joe, thanks for your comments, I'm strictly amateur, and that's just duct tape. I bought a Thule Force Alpine cargo box, which is perfect for four pair of skis. The installation was trivial, just unbox, put on rack, slide forward, and tighten the clamps. It barely leaves room in back to raise the CX-5 rear hatch, but it fits. I like that this cargo box is long enough, but not much bigger than we need to fit our skis, so we avoid excess wind resistance, noise, and weight.
Do you happen to have the cross bars specs like load range and speed limit allowed?... I call the dealer and surprisingly they do not have the info
Sorry, I don't have any load specs.
@@GeorgePowers Thanks George... I just bough them I have a question for you... in one of the sides of the bars there are two screws that are fixed and in the other side there are two that are in a kind of a slicer that allows the bar to make it bigger... well the thing is that I cannot tight those screws... I mean I can tight them but the bar continues slicing... and the question is it it tis that the way they are supposed to work?
BTW... the max load combined ( between the two bars) 165lb
Donde consigo las barras negras en Tijuana ..¿
Can the roof rack be taken off and put back on without taking the roof rails on and off?
Yes, you can remove the cross bars without loosening the side rails. I have not removed the cross bars yet, partly because it isn't easy to access the mounting screws.
exceptional how to vid.
Does your roof box hit the shark fin?
No, my roof box does not hit the shark fin.
6:53 - RIP headphone users...
How high are the racks off the top of the roof?
Hi Daniel! The racks' lower sides are about 2.5" above the roof, and the top sides about 3.25" above the roof. I took these measurements just inside the support brackets, which add about 0.25" in either direction. It looks like the racks arch to provide a little more clearance in the middle. Just to be clear, by "rack" I mean the cross bar.
Nice video...thanks!
Thanks very much!
Do you think this will fit a 2016 cx5?
I don't know, but I doubt the 2017 rack will fit the 2016 because Mazda changed the design for 2017.
@@GeorgePowers ment the 2016*
What if i need extra caps? Anyone know if i can buy spare caps?
Mazda wanted to charge me $600 to install, said it would take 4 hours? whaaaaaaaaa
I like the look with the roof rails, but that's a lot of money just to get the look.
Where's the storage box vid?
Sorry, I had good intentions, got any particular questions?
Lol no I was just curious where the next part was. Possible interest in find one for my wife's CX-5 and really enjoyed this video and was curious how you fared with the box itself and how you liked it!
We bought the Thule Force Alpine box from REI, though they don't seem to carry it any more. We have used it a few times to carry skis, and it has worked very nicely. It is long enough to fit three or four pair of skis, which is our main purpose. I like that it fits on the CX-5 without interfering with the tail gate opening. This box is narrower than most, since it is not intended for camping, moving, or other bulky cargo. That's great for ski trips, less air resistance and less wind noise. I can mount and unmount the box myself, preferably using a step ladder to reach in and work the clamps. Then I can load/unload skis by stepping on the door thresholds. You may need to remove the box to park in some public garages, so watch out for that!
Yikes, never - ever pry against glass! It can easily crack it.