How To Install OEM Subaru Cross Bars | 2018+ Subaru WRX/STi

Installing the OEM Subaru Fixed Cross Bars on my 2018 WRX. I waited 3+ months for these so I hope it was worth it! As a reminder, these are not compatible with pre-2018 WRX/STi models as these cross bars are fixed, whereas the years prior don't have the factory mounting points. I think the 2017 models have the factory mounting points but the rubber roof rails/rain gutters will need to be swapped out for the 2018+ version.
Product number: SOA367031
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► Subaru OEM Crossbars: www.subarupart...
► Installation Guide: www.subarupart...
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#subaru #Crossbars #OEM #WRX #STI #Install #bikerack #howto

[@Sheridantank]

I just got a 09 Impreza sport wagon. I'm a mobile mechanic and have made great use of the space. I'm stoked that I can add a roof rack so easily.

[@ronfromportland]

Yup, super easy install for sure!

[@fabiansierra7622]

So glad I bought my 2009 OBS with the rack already installed. I take my 40 pound kayak everywhere because of the rack.

[@77confirmedkills]

Good job it looks better than aftermarket roof racks to me

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks man! They’re pretty solid!

[@seanharreld1104]

Solid video👍 dont get why people spend 600 for the thule rack when you can get the subaru oem rack online for 185 or less

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks man, I appreciate it! Agreed, I couldn’t get myself to spend THAT much on cross bars.

[@davedivesdeeper]

Crossbars for my 2014 forester are $400 😢

[@juancarlosguillen593]

It's like people buying Gucci and Louis Vuitton they pay for the name brand I was looking into getting a Yakima bike rack but it was like$600 I think I might just go with the OEM Subaru.

[@austinmatthews255]

“Now that all 4 bolts are twerked”? Lol You funny man!

[@jjs777fzr]

Great video. Just ordered the soa roof racks for the 22 wrx. I hope the bike rack I chose fits nicely.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you! 🙏

[@arod6079able]

Hey I have a 22 and may be needing to drive cross country for work and I don't want to sell my car but I need room. Did you buy and install yours already?? If so can you lmk what you bought and was the install difficult?

[@mattl5238]

Yeah just got these bars for my dads sti, they were ordered in July when we got the car and they arrived about 2 weeks ago, about when you got yours. I found your vid after trying to make sure we did it right. Didn’t torque them though need a bit driver

[@ronfromportland]

Yeah, the back order was crazy. I feel you on the bit driver though, I was lucky to have one laying around.

[@Kanadian-Squirrel]

Same part number fits both wrx and sti? I have a 2018 sti

[@jptothetree]

I really appreciate this instructional--very detailed and concise. I just looked at the mounting points on my Impreza's roof (not a WRX, sadly) and I see where I think the mounting bolts insert. I had imagined them being quite deep with lots of bite on the bolts' threads, but I see what appears to be only a relatively thin piece of metal with only a few threads to be had for the mounting bolts... I'm guessing this is just how it is? Hoping it's strong enough for 2 bikes to be loaded onto them >.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you! Yeah, that’s just how they are. The mounting points are actually very strong. If you torque them to spec, they should hold. ~150 lbs limit is what I’m seeing. I hope this helps!

[@jptothetree]

@@ronfromportland Thanks man. Stay safe out there

[@ronfromportland]

@@jptothetree no problem man! You too!

[@LoLPhuocDat]

thanks for the upload!

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you for watching the video!

[@javic79]

Nice video! I’m getting the same bars for my Wrx 2020. I wonder how much weight they are able to hold!! I’m actually putting a bicycle carrier on it to carry my bike 🚴

[@ronfromportland]

Around ~150 lbs is the capacity. It should be solid with a bike and carrier. Here’s my video of the bike carrier! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKq5o3h5jpqjaNk

[@yefimbla9373]

Awesome video as always 👍🏻

[@juancarlosguillen593]

Nice! Love it bro but can you do another video of the bike install like I mean installing the adapter that holds a bike on the rack please & thank you.

[@ronfromportland]

I would but I sold the car earlier this year bro!

[@johndietel1102]

Thanks for the vid. I just got mine on and the front bar slopes downward quite a bit toward the rear and it looks weird. Came here to find similar installs and yours looks the same to me. Does yours look crooked like that to you?

[@ronfromportland]

I honestly never noticed when I had the car. I know a few folks have mentioned the differences in angles though. It didn’t mess with anything though. I was able to install a cargo basket on to them with no issues.

[@masqueman01]

very detailed. Thank you.

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you!

[@danielrecinos6368]

By any chance, have you noticed that the front crossbars are not symmetrical? I’ve been trying to put a cargo basket on top and it’s very hard to lock it in because the left side of the crossbar is closer to the window than the right side.

[@ronfromportland]

Very strange. I never had that issue on mine. I was able to install a cargo basket with no issues kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2ragGSGm6aImLssi=1Ae7P6UG3e0-PLRA

[@delaneyysmithh]

Can you do a how to get the rack off video please

[@ronfromportland]

I don’t have the car anymore unfortunately. Sorry about that.

[@watts4200]

Not sure why my 2017 wrx doesn’t have the open spots to more easily get to it. It does have the mounts but I have to take the entire freaking strip off lol. Might try to come up with a way to maybe do some trimming to fit it around once I install the racks.

[@ronfromportland]

Yeah, this is common for some of the 2017 models and I don’t know why either! You could always just buy the roof strips for the 2018+ models and swap them out. That’s probably the easiest way but I know those roof strips aren’t cheap.

[@TautologyTechSystems]

Hey man, I'm in the same situation. Did you find a solution? I'm not even sure yet if I have mounts under the strips. How easy are they to take off?

[@watts4200]

The strips should just pop right off. You’ll see the mounts under.

[@TautologyTechSystems]

@@watts4200 Thanks, I used a flashlight and tried to see if the mounts were there without removing the roof strips, but I didn't see anything. I might still remove the strips just to be sure. Were you have to fit the 2018 strips on your car?

[@unofficialkevmcgev1442]

Love your rims

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Head_Case]

ok, so ive got a 2019 wrx and am looking for a setup where i can put a tent on. Ive been doing some looking and i haven't found cross bars that can hold more than 180lbs. Anyone know of any racks or crossbars that can hold a roof tent (which are surprisingly heavy), and two humans for my car?? thx.

[@ronfromportland]

Curious on this as well!

[@christheimprezive2866]

Would this same installation process work on a 2018 Forester? I have a 2.5i Base w/out the roof rack and I’m looking at getting these

[@ronfromportland]

I’m not sure if the 2018 Foresters have the mounts for the roof racks so this installation might be a little different for your model.

[@mattthomas5351]

Great video! Can you send a link to the 3M Protective Film you bought? Noticed 3M has many types, would like to make sure I’ll use the same one you used .

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks! You should be fine with something like this amzn.to/3QerzGn

[@TheAmbulanceX]

Big fan of your build bro! Weird question, but what do you about security with these bars? Lol. I just slapped some on mine and was worried about them not having a lock. Maybe I’m just paranoid.

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks man! I was worried about them being stolen but not so much anymore. I highly doubt the people trying to steal these will know exactly how to remove them, not to mention I doubt they will have the right tool to do it. If you had a cargo rack or box then that’s a different story haha.

[@TheAmbulanceX]

@@ronfromportland Very true. I might just have to either get over my paranoia, or just put my faith in humanity. Lol.

[@ronfromportland]

@@TheAmbulanceX 😂😂🙏

[@holafrank]

Do you know what’s the Yakima Might Mounts works for that crossbar?? Thanks in advance.

[@ronfromportland]

I’ve never used those so I’m not sure if they would be compatible. Sorry about that!

[@augalgi]

I just got non genuine Subaru roof rack and it each side comes with 2 holes, is it me or the ones you installed have only 1 bolt per side? And please let me ask you something else, did you get to try the bolt by itself in the hole before putting the crossbar? I tried my car’s and the bolt goes in about 1/3 of an inch! I just find that too little for a right support?

[@ronfromportland]

Yes, it’s only one bolt per side. I didn’t put the bolts in by themselves but they definitely go further than 1/3 of an inch. The bolts you were provided may be too big.

[@jonathancunanan]

i just did mine too, my rear feels solid, but i had a hell of a time aligning the holes for the fronts. does yours have a little play? mine doesnt feel like it's going anywhere but just thought it was odd. i read online that its common.

[@ronfromportland]

Aligning the holes were a pain! But no, mine is solid. Once you torque them to spec they should be solid on there

[@jonathancunanan]

@@ronfromportland are you supposed to leave that flap that covers the holes and just put over it?

[@ronfromportland]

@@jonathancunanan yup, that’s what I did. It was a bit awkward but it worked.

[@edilyjulievazquezdiaz3552]

Thanks for the demonstration. I need to know the messurements in inches between the right nut to the left nut, Would you check it for me please? Maybe another way of saying is from one side of the rail hole to the other one, on the side (of the same crossbar). Thanks !

[@ronfromportland]

I’m getting 25 and a quarter inches

[@edilyjulievazquezdiaz3552]

@@ronfromportland Thank you for your the information, and the fast response. Enjoy your new roof rack!

[@edilyjulievazquezdiaz3552]

I want to share a constructive sugestion for your future videos: Looks like you shoot the video from a camera on your head, but most of the time the camera wasnt shooting on the right sight, and we mist a lot. Also, you were moving a lot, and too fast. Besides that, It was very good in general, and the visual pictures of the different parts were very illustrative.

[@ronfromportland]

@@edilyjulievazquezdiaz3552 thank you!

[@Mitchaplooza]

Have you happened to use any of the yakima bike mounts on them? Or what do you use?

[@ronfromportland]

I’ve used a Thule bike mount before kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKq5o3h5jpqjaNksi=7yXNQ-nD2dxLVlvD

[@bryanalonso7978]

I have the late 2017 model with the miunts. Thia should fit with the 18+ racks correct?

[@ronfromportland]

I’ve heard it should fit on some 2017s but you’re going to want to address the weather strip on top. The pre 2018s don’t have the door to the mounts. Other than that, I don’t see why they won’t work. Hope this helps.

[@racinR]

Did you get a roof cargo box? If you did what brand/model did you get? Thanks.

[@ronfromportland]

I didn’t get a box but I did get a cargo roof rack. Here’s the video to it. Cheers! : kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2ragGSGm6aImLs

[@TEBCO123]

that 3M protective covering. was there any excess you had to cut ?

[@ronfromportland]

Yes, I ended up re-doing the protective covering on all four. I had to trim them to be slightly smaller.

[@robertleo866]

Thanks for this video. The instructions that came with the Thule rack lacked specific details, but your video was very helpful! What's the deal with the end caps though? They don't seem to lock in place very well.

[@ronfromportland]

Thanks man! Yeah, the end caps are a joke. Basically expect to replace them over time due to falling off unless you glue them on there.

[@nitemareglitch]

I want to remove the roof rack on mine, what is the part number for the clips on the rail? I don’t think the previous owner left them anywhere with mine.

[@ronfromportland]

If you’re referring to the covers accessing the mounting holes, they’re built in. I did find this though: www.subaruwarehousedirect.com/oem-parts/subaru-roof-molding-91046va020?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmouZBhDSARIsALYcourwmlKlKZ-miuAYiX4xmXSrnn2HixCOUznfLpDbTro97u-fioIlgUQaApyeEALw_wcB

[@nitemareglitch]

@@ronfromportland hey thanks! I also just watched engineering explained do it and it looks like when you install the little clips just sit up and the rack install over them right? If so I’m gonna pulling off tomorrow! Thanks!

[@ronfromportland]

@@nitemareglitch yup! That’s exactly how they are!

[@ronfromportland]

@@nitemareglitch check around @2:15, I think that’s what you’re after. Let me know!

[@bulgogi152]

i want to get one for work so i can add a latter on top. would this be a good use for it?

[@ronfromportland]

Looks like it can be done if you have ratchet straps AND ladder slides. I wouldn’t mount it without some sort of brackets to prevent it from shifting sideways www.etrailer.com/faq-roof-rack-ladder.aspx

[@ftt435]

Can you get car washes with these on? Or would you have to go to touchless wash only?

[@ronfromportland]

I never use the car wash to begin with but I probably wouldn’t go through it with the bars on. I’d be too worried about the machine getting caught on them haha.

[@interstellar._.705]

I’m just wondering how to take it off it came on my car stock :(

[@ronfromportland]

Should be the exact same as the install but in reverse. You would just need to be careful not to scratch the roof when you lift the racks off.

[@edwinguevara5944]

Payton 509 did you take the bars off? If so would you sell them?

[@Goatpooh]

Can you get a wind deflector attachment for this rack ?

[@ronfromportland]

I haven’t confirmed but there’s no reason that other brands such as Rhino Rack won’t work.

[@Bus_Driver117]

Will the part number work for a subaru impreza 2016? Awesome video!

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you! I doubt they will work with the Impreza since the part numbers are completely different.

[@Isaac-if9em]

Does this fit a 2016 subaru? I got some but I don’t have the easy mounts like you do. If not, do you have any alternative roof racks you recommend?

[@ronfromportland]

Nope, they won’t fit the 2016s. A lot of folks use the Thule crossbars that wrap around the pillars.

[@adriano8809]

Bro, it would be very helpful to me if you could tell me how tick is the bar in inches

[@ronfromportland]

Hey man, the width of the bars are 2.5”

[@adriano8809]

@@ronfromportland thank you so much man, they look pretty thin in the video, 2.5” inches?? Wow

[@adriano8809]

I mean the hight of the bar only how tick is it?

[@adriano8809]

@@ronfromportland I think I’ll wait the back order because I am waiting my bars for the legacy and I have no idea how long that will take you know…. So in the meantime I was looking for a bike rack to attach to it but I need to know how much is the hight of the bar (bar only) and I was thinking that the WRX bar may be as tick as the legacy one (there are no videos on KZbin for the legacy bars).

[@ronfromportland]

Hey! Sorry man, for some reason I am just now seeing your comments. I thought you were asking for the width of the bars. The thickness is approximately 1.5". They are thin because they are "aero style". The bars for the Legacy should be very similar to the WRX. Here is the bike rack I used: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKq5o3h5jpqjaNk

[@jamessanderson3498]

Can u install a wind plate/guard on this ?

[@ronfromportland]

I’ve never tried but I think the universal kits should work .

[@carlslater3232]

wow you only paid $158.00??!! It cost me almost $400 in canada... you guys got it made down there in the states.

[@ronfromportland]

It has its ups and downs for sure haha

[@trevorparque5057]

hey found your video because I just installed my oem subaru crossbars on to my 2019 sti. I found the front bar to be extremely difficult to line up and tighten down. Once I finally got it there's still some space where the rubber bottom has gaps. Does yours line up perfectly? I was pretty amazed at how a genuine subaru part fit so poorly onto my car

[@ronfromportland]

Mine lines up perfectly. Are you sure you’re using the correct mounting holes?

[@snzjavi]

Nice video, do you know if you could fit a fairing/wind shield on the oem crossbars?

[@ronfromportland]

Thank you. I never got around to actually buying this kit since they were almost always out of stock but I don’t see a reason why it wouldn’t fit/work with the crossbars. amzn.to/3jJnmdl

[@snzjavi]

@@ronfromportland appreciate your help. I have oem crossbars on the way. Thanks again!

[@ronfromportland]

No problem at all!!

[@snzjavi]

@@ronfromportlandBack again, what do you think is the max room for wind fairings on our oem cross bars? 48-50inch?

[@ronfromportland]

@@snzjavi I just measured and the bars width on the interior is 40” so anything beyond that might be too big

[@annehoffman960]

How far off the roof are these bars? Trying to decide on stock bars or the universal rhino rack bars.

[@ronfromportland]

A little over 3” from the roof to the bottom of the bar

[@lil_snug8032]

Did you ever decide?

[@shaneehalevi8387]

My local dealer said Subaru doesn't have cross bars for Impreza sedans, only hatchbacks. Did you have problems with that?

[@ronfromportland]

Nope, no issues for me. That’s surprising though!

[@ItzJusAGameBruh84]

I lost the roof bolts where do I find them

[@ronfromportland]

I would check with the dealership to see if they have any bolts you could order

[@DollarStrawz]

hey guys did anybody notice how the front rack is angled upwards compared to back. on my 2012 Impreza but I saw it on 2 other Subaru around town. it's really weird because it's not level with roof. on the front cross bar

[@mEtALmAN1486]

I have same issue, the front bar is at a weird angle. Also the front bar is definitely lower then the back bar. Ive quadruple checked both bars and rubber mounts to make sure they are on correct side & front/back spot. I’m putting a snowboard rack on and they don’t line up level. I have a 2018 wrx and got my bars secondhand, after reading around im pretty sure i have the correct ones. Just cant figure out why they aren’t lvl to each other.

[@andreacasabianca807]

Does any bike rack fit on the one Subaru roof rack. Like would a Thule or rhino rack bike rack fit on?

[@ronfromportland]

The Thule Bike Rack should fit. I actually have a Thule Bike Rack install video to test the fitment. I’m not too sure about the Rhino Rack since I haven’t gotten the chance to test it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKq5o3h5jpqjaNk

[@raceyouhome]

What did you end up doing with the excess protector tape underneath the mount? Did you just leave it on?

[@ronfromportland]

I actually ended up using soap/water to squeegee the film protector. Now it’s barely visible.

[@ryanday399]

Did you have some alignment issues that required a decent amount of force? Just tried to install after watching your video but the fitment seemed slightly off and not willing to slide on

[@ronfromportland]

Not at all. Maybe you have the bars mixed up? Meaning you might be putting the rears on the front and vice versa?

[@ryanday399]

@@ronfromportland got it on today but noted a gap under the shoes on the front. The bracket protectors were hampering the alignment on mine

[@MrSun624]

@@ronfromportland I got the same situation. My rear bar was a little bit longer than expected. Maybe half an inch. I used excess force to push it on but almost striped the holes.

[@ronfromportland]

@@MrSun624 that is very strange. I would double check to see that you didn’t get the cross bars for the Impreza. I believe they are different from the WRX.

[@1982cleveland]

These don't have a key to lock the covers hiding the bolts that attach them to the roof?

[@ronfromportland]

Nope, no lock unfortunately

[@1982cleveland]

@@ronfromportland booooo!!!! Does anyone ever worry about theft? Or is it too much of a pain for someone to snatch?

[@ronfromportland]

@@1982cleveland it’s too much of a hassle to remove haha. Basically if you torque them down to spec, the bolts are pretty hard to remove with just the torx screwdriver.

[@whyzzzcat]

Bought this today. Feb 2nd 2023. $189. From Subaru.

[@tony123ja]

How much did they charge you for shipping ? Is it free ?

[@ronfromportland]

I had them delivered to the dealership so there weren’t any shipping costs

[@ricoo1619]

Do those work for 2022 wrx?

[@ronfromportland]

No sir. Just 2015-2021.

[@ricoo1619]

@@ronfromportland 😔

[@JustisFlame]

They just released the OEM roof rack for the new wrx my guy!!! Hype

[@stevenmitchem6744]

Do you notice any noise from wind drag?

[@ronfromportland]

Just barely when I have the sunroof open. Other than that, I forget they’re even there.

[@DharTV]

How have these racks affected the fuel economy?

[@ronfromportland]

I didn’t really notice a difference in mpg with the roof racks. I did notice a slight difference with the cargo rack though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2ragGSGm6aImLs

[@coreychan884]

Nice! What is going to go on the rack? Rocket box?

[@ronfromportland]

Christmas tree haha

[@58unike]

By any chance do you know the weight rating on these bars?

[@ronfromportland]

Around 150lbs is what I’m seeing online

[@paulrodriguez1696]

What’s your wheel set up

[@ronfromportland]

Wheels are the Method MR502’s with Michelin MP4s.

[@rainezombi3431]

Do these have locks?

[@ronfromportland]

They don’t have locks but I couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to spend the time unscrewing four torqued down bolts to try and remove them.

[@yogabutler]

Dude your camera angle

[@acecadillaccorvette6375]

Honestly, I found watching this frustrating. Your decision making process of where you bought it and time on the tools is just a waste of my time.

[@ronfromportland]

Since we are being honest, this comment is probably the most useless comment I’ve ever seen. Most people need the extra instructions since the manual is unclear. But since you commented that it’s a waste of your time, wouldn’t it be smarter to simply click out of the video? 🤯. I hope you strip tf out of your bolts.

[@bhrriss]

will this fit on a 19+ sti?

[@ronfromportland]

Yes