How To Remove A Yakima Roof Rack After Unlocking It

Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 11/25/2024

Question:

We have the key to the roof rack. Can put the key in and turn but I don’t know what to do next to unlock so can remove the rack from the van. Don’t want to force and break the key

asked by: Karen T

Expert Reply:

Hi Karen,

If you're just removing the crossbars from the roof of your van you would just unlock the lock cores in the feet and then the feet will have a specific way of disconnecting from the factory rails or naked roof depending on the model you have. If you can tell me which feet you have I can give you more specific instructions for removing them.

To swap out your Yakima lock cores you'd need to unlock them first with your key and then you would insert the Control Key # Y8007835 and will need to turn the key to find the sweet spot where it lines up and pull the core out. You should be able to lightly wiggle it a bit while turning to find where it starts to line up.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Robin H.

12/15/2025

Hey Karen, what ended up working when you tried unlocking the Yakima lock cores on your van’s roof rack? Once you figured out how the feet disconnect, did the rack come off smoothly? Your update could make it easier for the next person trying to remove theirs.