I want to put a heavy surfboard type equipment (check this site for more accurate description: http://www.porta-bote.com/) on the rack but afraid that I may damage the deflector on the front end of the rack. Is there a way to remove the deflector?

 

I guess I just have to answer my own question.

Lift the covers directly on the sides of the deflector, then voila! You'll see the star screws that attaches the deflector.. One big thing, the metal clip that holds the cover losens (poor engineering IMO), therefore you can still replace the cover but it wouldn't clip to the hole and will fall out eventually. I put electric tape around the male part and plugged it in. Seemed to work well but I don't know for how long especially if I go through a car wash.

Nissan should've put more effort on that thought.