Roof Rack Wind Noise

If the surface the wind passes over has a consistent shape the disturbance becomes tonal and at certain frequencies very annoying.

Roof rack wind noise.

I installed a barricade roof rack last weekend. A wind fairing is a windshield that is placed on the front crossbar of a roof rack. Not as easy as i expected but got it done. On the way home i decided to move that crossbar back behind the rear most part of the sunroof.

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. Jump to latest follow. 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. 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.

My main issue with the rack was a low frequency high volume wind noise experienced at speeds above 40 mph like a subwoofer out of control. A roof rack wind fairing is an easy to install plastic shield that deflects wind away from the roof rack therefore reducing wind noise. The top section of the wind fairing attaches to the front crossbar while the bottom rests on top of the car. I was shocked at how loud the wind noise was even at low speed.

It was previously actually in front of the sunroof opening literally directly above the overhead console that houses the bluetooth. If you still notice roof rack wind noise after checking your rack and mount attachments and want to further pursue roof rack wind reduction consider installing a wind fairing.