Roof Rack Wind Noise Problem

My 2002 roof rack makes a ton of noise i assume it was installed right since it came with the car.

Roof rack wind noise problem.

Wind noise from roof rack. A wind fairing s goal is to reduce the wind noises which are brought about by the roof rack you have placed in your vehicle. Jump to latest follow. Why does my roof rack make a noise.

The wind noise we hear from some roof racks is known as aeolian no ise and is produced by wind when it passes over or through objects. Unfortunately i talk to a lot of fj owners they say the same thing about the wind noise on top when they get on the interstate. A flimsily placed bike roof rack can meet your car and rub against it as your drive creating noise. There s a quick fix that works like a champ in most roof rack whistle situations.

The fj is brand new. It breaks up the airflow and thus the resinance just like the spirals on tall steel chimney stacks. Just bought a few weeks ago. There has no mod been done.

Although wind fairings do not eliminate the noise 100 percent it does minimize it significantly to prevent you from being distracted while you are driving. If the surface the wind passes over has a consistent shape the disturbance becomes tonal and at certain frequencies very annoying. Black is ideal but a color that complements your bike kayak whatever is nice too. A roof rack wind fairing is an easy to install plastic shield that deflects wind away from the roof rack therefore reducing wind noise.

If the noise starts at a specific speed it could be resonance. The top section of the wind fairing attaches to the front crossbar while the bottom rests on top of the car. I ve gotten rid of it by stretching an ocky strap the length of the bar with one or two twists around the bar. Run down to the hardware store and pick up a 2 or 3 foot bungee cord.

I chalked it up to bad design too close to the sunroof. You can also add weather stripping where the car and rack touch to reduce the friction and sound. Wind fairings are usually universal but are available in different lengths to fit your vehicle.