The dealership wanted $200 at 3 hour labor rate to install roof rails. I knew that's a rip off so I decided to do it myself. The whole installation took me less than an hour.

I bought OEM roof rails and cross bars through DCHAutomotiveParts. They're a dealership that really has some of the lowest OEM prices around:

Cross Bars - $180 (CROSSBAR for 2016 Acura MDX)
Roof Rails - $396 (ROOF RAIL for 2016 Acura MDX)

I also highly recommend you compliment this DIY with the official installation instruction from Acura: 2016 Roof Rail Installation Instruction

Before you get started, some tools you would need would be:
- T-40 and T-15 TORX bit
- 12mm socket
- Strong cutter (Dremel or hacksaw to cut through thin metal)
- Ruler
- Plastic trim removal tool (I bought mine from Harbor Freight: Nylon Pry Bar Installer Kit 4 Pc)

 

Nicely done and thank you for documenting it nicely -

 

hold up!

you're telling me there's a piece of plastic holding the rail to the metal roof frame of the car? O_O

 

Thank you for the post. I did mine today and it only took an hr. I'm a guy who never work on the car before(not even an oil change). If I can do it then all you can do it too!!!

 

thank you so much for making this thread! its so detailed im confident i can do it myself.

 

Excellent write up!

 

This thread should be a sticky

I used these instructions along with the installation manual to install the roof rail and cross bar over the weekend. Took me a bit over an hour.

A few additional tips:

1. Use a small piece of 2x4 as cutting board when you cut the roof rail cover. In my humble opinion, this is the hardest part so having the right tool is the key. Ask someone to hold the piece while you're cutting it.

2. Reinstalling the hinge cover: As the OP points out, this is the tricky part. However, I found that if you pull the hinge cover hard enough, it will force the retainer clips to align. I got it to snap on after a few tries.

 

These are fantastic instructions, thanks! It really made installation a breeze.

 

Just finished installing the roof rails on my wife's 2015 MDX. Followed these instructions and had no issues. Excellent pics, too.
My observations: A hacksaw will get most of the cutting done just fine, but I used a coping saw to cut the hinge cover where the hacksaw couldn't reach. Also, as someone else mentioned, having an extra set of hands to help with the cutting tasks isn't a bad idea. That said, I consider myself only moderately handy and I did this alone in just over an hour. Saved almost $200 versus the dealer price!

 

Fantastic thread. I appreciate the detail!!!

 

Excellent write up. You inspired me to install the roof rails on my MDX. It gives the SUV a sporty look and surprisingly it was easy.

When I did my roof rail install I found that removing the hinge cover white retainer clips is easier than instructed since they move. I used something to pry back the flange which allows you to pry off and reuse them without breaking the retainer clip. I used a metal pin and bent the 1/4 tip to get under the retainer clip to release it. Better than a trip to the dealer to replace broken clip. Once the retainer clips are removed I installed on the hinge cover and simply pushed down to snap in the hinge cover.

Another suggestion when I installed my roof rails. When I reinstalled the cut 17 inch roof rail trim and then installed the OEM roof rails that it pushed down the roof rail trim leaving a gap between the trim and the roof rail. To remedy this I put something under the roof rail trim before installing the roof rail. In my case I used some leftover plastic from the hinge cover that was cut out during the install. This makes for a cleaner install.

I made a video of my install to help everyone https://youtu.be/9BrBv3eEkqI

 

Very nice and detailed instruction on how to install the roof rail. I figure I'll give it a shot when the weather warms up, it's been posted on Facebook that Amazon has the best price for the kit.

 

Thanks for the writeup! I plan on doing this mid-summer too. These pictures will make it easy to complete. I would guess you stood on a step-up to be able to see in the grooves so well... I will using a step-up for the job. Now all I have to do is gather the $$$ for the actual rails and cross pieces!

Any increase to the wind noise after installing the rails?

thanks
korbo

 

Yes there will be an increase in noise......if you look for it. I thought I would be bothered by the increase in noise but I found out that the only time I hear it is when I turn off the radio and try to focus on the noise coming from the roof. That's the only time I hear it. Under normal driving condition where the radio is on and I'm focus on the road, I cannot hear the noise from the roof.

 

Awesome write up! Thanks! Is it the same for the 2017 MDX?

 

Thanks for this!

 

Don't take my word for it, but I cross referenced it and part number of the roof rails on a 16 and 17 MDX are identical. So it SHOULD be the same installation.

 

It is the same installation for the 2017. Just did mine.

 

Super, looks like a pretty trivial job, I will want these on my new 2017 MDX SH-AWD

 

Juts got a 2015 MDX over the weekend. Gorgeous. Went to the dealer to ask about roof rails and cross bars. They are NUTS. almost $1k installed. With this nice installation guide I will infidelity give it a chat. Will probably go with the black and blk cross bars.

I'm also thinking about the spare tire kit. ~$500.00 all items sold separately . Accessories, tools and rim. Tire is additional !! ha,ha,... about $700 installed.

I think I can also do it myself. Any recommendations.

 

Sorry to dig up an old thread but, can someone confirm if the OEM Roof Rail kit is the same part number for a 2020 MDX Hybrid?

 

FYI, I ordered the same part number and was able to install without any issues except one. The rear flange nut on one of the rails got cross threaded, I think it was because of the paint. Anyone know what the measurements for it?
Will pick up a new one from one of the box stores, 12mm M12 1.25???

 

Well done Bruh!!