2017 Explorer Roof Rack Rail Removal
Just removed the roof rack/rail from our explorer...just need a socket wrench, socket wrench extension, size 10 socket, star screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, needle nose pliers, dremel/plastic cutting tool, plastic panel screw trim clips (x12), panel/emblem/trim adhesive (with water sealant) and/or trim removal tools.
1) Used flathead screwdriver/trim removal tool and lodged in between colored plastic part (top) and main hardware/weather stripping (bottom) to pop of the plastic parts. Its secured with five or six plastic clips.
2) Once top part is off, used socket wrench/size 10 socket to remove the five/six bolts.
3) Then used needle nose pliers/socket to remove the one nut from a screw sticking up (halfway on strip/near rear door).
4) Back to front end near the A Pillar, the plastic strip from the front windshield to the front rack/rail, is held in by a clip...just need a screwdriver to push the clip apart from underneath the main hardware bottom rail and the plastic piece from the windshield.
5) Lift the main bottom hardware rail/weather stripping up and away from the vehicle.
6) Now you're left the little plastic piece from along A Pillar from the front windshield. I used a dremel to cut the plastic piece in a shorter length so the clip does not stick up...I also used the dremel to shave down the screw halfway where the nut was attached to (Step 3), in case I want to reattach rails in future.
7) I then cleaned the area for debris from front to back.
8) Used plastic panel screw trim clips with water sealant adhesive to fill in the holes where bolts were removed from. Also used adhesive on the cut down plastic trim part that was along the A Pillar to secure that back to vehicle.
9) Hand washed my vehicle the next day to make sure there was no water leakage from roof.
10) Enjoy the slick top appearance now.
https://imgur.com/gallery/8Lg7E