Noisy Roof Racks: How To Reduce Roof Rack Wind Noise

Roof racks often have a bad reputation for being loud, but there are simple ways to reduce roof rack noise.

So if you’ve been surprised at how noisy your roof rack is, here are tips to reduce roof rack wind noise and enjoy a quieter ride.

 

What Causes Roof Rack Wind Noise?

Roof racks can howl or make high-pitched whistling sounds at highway speeds due to wind being forced around the crossbars. This creates high-pressure vibrations and whistling as the air is forced past the crossbars.

Here are other common causes of roof rack wind noise:

• Crossbar Shape: Wing-shaped crossbars that have a round holes, thicker edge facing backwards cause poor aerodynamics and noisy turbulence.
• Empty Accessories: Empty bike carriers, kayak carriers, and cargo baskets can easily catch wind and create drag. This can cause rattling, whistling, and increased noise. If you can, remove accessories if you are not using them.
• Loosened Bolts: The bolts in roof racks without a welded base may loosen over time, leading to rattling noises.
• Missing Endcaps: If the plastic endcaps at the end of the crossbars are loose, air can rush into the open tubes and create noise.
• Sitting Too High: Roof racks that sit too high above the vehicle roof allow airflow through a large gap, creating howling noises and vibrations.
• Improper Installation or Poor Fitment: Improper roof rack installation or poor fitment of mounting brackets, accessories, or crossbars can cause rattling, wobbling, and vibrations.

How to Reduce Roof Rack Wind Noise: 5 Tips for a Quieter Ride

1. Add a Wind Deflector

The best way to reduce roof rack wind noise is by adding a wind deflector to the front of the roofrack, this also known as a wind fairing.

Wind deflectors deflects the wind away from your roof rack’s cargo, crossbars, or basket.

This creates a more aerodynamic ride and reduces wind resistance, leading to a quieter, smoother ride.

2. Ensure All Screws and Bolts Are Tight

Temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and general wear and tear can loosen screws and bolts over time. When hardware loosens, it can create small holes that wind can travel through and cause ratting, buzzling, or whistling noises.

Inspect your setup regularly, making sure all bolts and screws on your roof rack are tight every few months. This is especially important for off-road enthusiasts who frequently travel rough terrain or swap gear often.

3. Secure All Cargo

Ensure all cargo is properly secured with tie-downs or straps to prevent it from shifting while travelling.

4. Inspect Your Crossbars Regularly

Inspect your roof rack setup every few months, looking for any gaps in seals or crossbar movement. Even just a few millimetres of crossbar shifting can lead to increased noise.

5. Add Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is a cheap, effective way to reduce noisy roof racks. Weatherstripping works by creating a tighter seal, breaking up airflow, and absorbing vibrations to dampen sounds.

It can be added between crossbars, mounting points, or the bottom of your wind deflector. With Tracklander Bushrider Bars, we also provided TXWD which is the weather strip accessories compatible with Bushrider Bars to reduce noise.

 

 

How Wind Deflectors Help Reduce Roof Rack Wind Noise

Wind deflectors are an easy and effective way to reduce noisy roof racks. They work by redirecting airflow over the crossbars and cargo on your roof rack. 

This reduced turbulence creates a quieter ride by reducing any annoying howling or whistling at higher speeds.

 

How to Choose the Best Wind Deflector to Reduce Roof Rack Noise

Wind deflectors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and quality levels. Some wind deflectors are too light and can actually increase vibrations against your roof, creating thumping noises.

Tracklander wind deflectors are designed to work seamlessly with your roof rack to reduce wind resistance and noise.

Our wind deflectors are constructed from lightweight aluminium,  delivering the strength and durability to perform in tough Aussie conditions. The shape, size, and materials of our wind deflectors improve aerodynamics, drastically cut wind noise, and reduce fuel use.

See Tracklander’s wind deflector in action and how well it reduces roof rack wind noise in this demo: Wind Deflector Effectiveness for Reducing Roof Rack Wind Noise.

 

How Tracklander Engineers Roof Racks that have Minimal Roof Rack Wind Noise

We pride ourselves on offering the quietest roof racks on the market, and here’s how we do it: 

• Real-World Testing: Every Tracklander rack is wind-tunnel tested, ensuring it performs properly and quietly in real-world conditions.
• Aerodynamic, Low-Profile Design: Our roof racks are designed to sit as close to the roof as possible, optimising aerodynamics and eliminating wind noise. Sitting at just 3 cm above the roof, our roof racks ensure the quest ride possible with maximum fuel efficiency.
• Welded Mesh Base: Our welded mesh base racks are one solid piece. This prevents bolted panels from loosening over time and leading to rattling or noise.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my roof rack making a high-pitched whistling or howling noise at highway speeds?

Roof racks can howl or make high-pitched whistling sounds at highway speeds due to wind being forced around the crossbars. This creates high-pressure vibrations and whistling as the air is forced past the crossbars.

What are the most common causes of roof rack wind noise?

Roof rack wind noise is often caused by:

• Improper roof rack installation
• Loose bolts or screws
• Loose or improperly secured cargo
• Empty accessories
• Excess airflow around or under crossbars

How do I reduce wind noise from my roof racks?

Here are tips to reduce noisy roof racks:

• Install a wind deflector
• Add weatherstripping on the bottom of the wind deflector
• Check that all bolts and screws on your roof rack are tight
• Regularly inspect your roof rack for shifted crossbars
• Make sure all cargo is secure and properly tied down

 

Best Aerodynamic Roof Racks for a Quiet Ride

A good quality, properly installed roof rack and a wind deflector can ensure you enjoy a whisper-quiet ride.

We’ve been designing and manufacturing roof racks since 1975, and quiet roof racks are one of the things we’re known for. We’re based right in Perth, so we know how to build gear that holds up to Australia’s brutal conditions.

Every Tracklander roof rack is engineered to withstand salt, sun, dust, heat, and rough roads, backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre guarantee.

Have a question about our wind deflectors or roof racks and which one would suit your vehicle best? Contact us and we’d be happy to help with custom recommendations.