Roof Rack Wind Noise Problem

Why does my roof rack make a noise.

Roof rack wind noise problem.

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 roof rack wind fairing is an easy to install plastic shield that deflects wind away from the roof rack therefore reducing wind noise. You can also add weather stripping where the car and rack touch to reduce the friction and sound.

My 2002 roof rack makes a ton of noise i assume it was installed right since it came with 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. I chalked it up to bad design too close to the sunroof. The top section of the wind fairing attaches to the front crossbar while the bottom rests on top of the car.

Wind fairings are usually universal but are available in different lengths to fit your vehicle. I figured i would post an update for all of those people suffering from a similar problem. It breaks up the airflow and thus the resinance just like the spirals on tall steel chimney stacks. Wind noise from roof rack.

They say it is the roof rack. The fj is brand new. Just bought a few weeks ago. If the surface the wind passes over has a consistent shape the disturbance becomes tonal and at certain frequencies very annoying.

There s a quick fix that works like a champ in most roof rack whistle situations. Before you begin traveling pull the crossbars of your roof rack left to right to see if it s loose. A flimsily placed bike roof rack can meet your car and rub against it as your drive creating noise. If the noise starts at a specific speed it could be resonance.

Run down to the hardware store and pick up a 2 or 3 foot bungee cord. 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. There has no mod been done.