Faulty J-bolts on Yakima rack? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Mahigeer · 10-09-2015, 09:47 PM

It looks to me that it is caused by having a load (kayaks) at the end of a lever (the uprights) putting sideways pressure on the J bolt/s.

As the kayaks on the top move from center to left and right on the top (looking at the road from driver's seat), they exert load on the j bolts through the up rights. Which are now a lever. One end the j bolts, the other the kayaks.

I think the only thing to do since the level distance cannot be changed; is either to lighten the load, use a thicker diameter j bolts, or jay bolts made from a stronger material.

Some modification may have to be done to accommodate the thicker diameter j bolts.

Good luck.

jruiz · 10-10-2015, 05:44 AM

If you look at the area circled in the picture, there seems to be a wormhole or rip in the space-time continuum. Or your cross bar is bent.

Mahigeer · 10-10-2015, 06:44 AM

One more suggestion which I am not sure it is mentioned by others.

Drill a new hole in the corner plate and the truck, so instead of "j" bolt you can use a "u" bolt and fender washer.

That way the pressure is not at the short section of the "j" bolt, but up to the washer and nut.

A stainless steel "U" bolt and washer will keep from rusting and prolong the life of the fasteners.

10-09-2015, 09:47 PM	#1
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,910	It looks to me that it is caused by having a load (kayaks) at the end of a lever (the uprights) putting sideways pressure on the J bolt/s. As the kayaks on the top move from center to left and right on the top (looking at the road from driver's seat), they exert load on the j bolts through the up rights. Which are now a lever. One end the j bolts, the other the kayaks. I think the only thing to do since the level distance cannot be changed; is either to lighten the load, use a thicker diameter j bolts, or jay bolts made from a stronger material. Some modification may have to be done to accommodate the thicker diameter j bolts. Good luck. Last edited by Mahigeer; 10-10-2015 at 06:38 AM.

10-10-2015, 06:44 AM	#3
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,910	One more suggestion which I am not sure it is mentioned by others. Drill a new hole in the corner plate and the truck, so instead of "j" bolt you can use a "u" bolt and fender washer. That way the pressure is not at the short section of the "j" bolt, but up to the washer and nut. A stainless steel "U" bolt and washer will keep from rusting and prolong the life of the fasteners.