Howto: Remove roof rail moulding trim 2008 to 2024 on WRX STI Impreza Crosstrek VX Forester Outback Tribeca

[Gripless]

This is for the two strips the run along the seam between the roof skin and the main body of the car.

 

While these have 4 clips you do NOT have to unclip the 4 individual little ones. They are designed to stay with the rails.

 

They have an angled channel underneath that is smooth on one side (see image below) the other notched (barely visible in image below).

These slide over round T pins welded to the car. As they slide they pull tighter and the notches stop them shaking loose.

To remove you use a small flat screwdriver or trim tool to slide it off the pin. Tape the screwdriver to prevent paint damage.

On the right side undo is forward.

On the left undo is backward.

They require very little force to slide.

 

method A common

Insert from the inside edge aka the one closet to the middle of the roof.

The whole middle is open, the 2 tabs sticking up in the image are likely anti-rattle and not on the early part numbers. Those tabs “could” be used to slide but you’d risk scratching the paint.

 

method B 

Same as above but from outside edge. Which has wider rubber and likely the factory recommended way.

The large triangle tab stick out as far as the moulding rail so easy to find.

plus it’s nice and high up so won’t risk the paint as much

 

 

On the hatch the are 7 per side.

3 behind rear roof rack mount

3 between the roof rack mounts 

1 in front or the roof rack mounts

 

I found them just sliding the thin trim tool until I hit one end.

The opening to slide the is 2-3cm from either end.

 

 

The final clip in a plastic stud about 15-20mm from windscreen.

 

So far the best way is remove is lift the whole mounding upwards with the stud as a pivot.

Mine both made a small click when the moulding was lifted.

Then I slide the removal tool towards the stud and lowered the moulding which popped it off.

 

 

 

91048FG000, 91048FG001, 91048FG002, 91048FG010, 91048FG020

Now 91048XA00A extended to cover 2023-2024

 

 

Reinstall is just hold the rail up to the car and slide the clips on the rail so they are on the correct side of the pins welded to the car.

drop the rail into place and slide them back into place. Then tap down the front onto the stud.

 

Edited January 13 by Gripless

[Gripless]

Prices for clips range from USD$ 0.40 - 6.50 with most places having low or no stock.

 

Have sent enquires for set of 14.

Of possible will order set and have old ones spare if some snaps theirs.