Yakima crossbars- plastic sheathing issue

[jmanic]

Hey all-
So I have a Yakima roof rack with control towers. 2 bike trays.

I noticed splits in the plastic sheathing on the cross bars just inside of where they mount to the towers. Just on the one side that gets used most often.

Called Yakima and they assured me it's only cosmetic, but shipped replacement bars- yay.

It's kind of winter out, and if it's only cosmetic I'll wait on replacing.
Anyone else have this problem?
Can anyone confirm its not signaling an underlying structural problem?

Thanks

 

[mattybfat]

No clue about your problem but I have 2 more trays for those crossbars. BNIB if you ever need a new set.

 

[axcxnj]

the plastic is only cosmetic. i had some crossbars that had the plastic stripped on the ends, i taped them with gorilla tape and used them just fine.

 

[RobW]

I had the same issue. the sheathing is cosmetic however its purpose is for protection against weather and longevity of the product. it also can serve a purpose for protecting ski's if you drop them on the rails, or if you have a kayak, it will protect that as well if it ever came in contact with the bar.