Using A Roof Rack On Different Generations Of An Acura MDX

Published 05/26/2021

Question:

I have both a 2009 and 2017 Acura MDX. As you can see by my order history, I run the core bars on baseline towers with base clips. I got the clips I needed to be able to use the rack on either vehicle. I adjust the tower distances for each vehicle when ever I use the rack so that it is set to the appropriate measurements. The base clip Y06150 is used as the front clip on both vehicles and does fine but the rubber coating/lining has torn on both clips and is hanging further and further over of the securing edge of the clip. Is this normal? Are clips meant to be replaced over time or can the rubber protective layer be replaced?

asked by: Keith B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Even though both of your vehicles, the 2009 and the 2017 Acura MDX, use the same clips for the front of the vehicles there will be some slight differences between the two vehicles. These Acura MDX are from two different generations. Per Yakima, these small discrepancies can be the cause of your problems because these clips fit each of the vehicles in different locations and there may be small differences in the frames of the vehicles in question, due to their different model years. The M2 measurement, that is the distance from the top of the windshield to the edge of your racks front towers are as follows;

2009 Acura MDX M2 = 10"
2017 Acura MDX M2 = 7 1/2".

It may not be enough of a difference for Yakima to switch the Base Clips for the two model years, but enough of a difference if the racks are going back and forth between two different vehicles.

expert reply by: Mark Smith