P5 Roof Rack Wind Noise

[zanardi 47]

I couldn't find much in the search feature, so I hope my question is not a repeat.

I was wondering if there is a fix to reduce/eliminate hearing the wind noise when the factory roof rack is installed. From recollection, I believe the wind noise starts after going 35mph or higher.

I'm sure someday, I'll find a good use for the roof rack, but I'm curious in the meantime. Any information on fixes/modifications to the bars is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[hyperboarder]

Buy some filler caps and pull that s***, wind noise drops a lot. You can get the caps for like 60 if you look hard, and they are a great improvement.

 

[chuyler1]

The 2003 roof rack has some small deflectors on the bottom to break up the wind. I'm sure there is a picture of them on this board somewhere. If your 2002 doesn't have them you could try to make something similar.

Otherwise, remove the rack and replace it with the filler caps.

 

[RaiderMS3]

I noticed the problem too. Roof racks for the most part all do. Even on my 71 VW beetle, the roof rack I had made noise. Only fix is to remove.

 

[aMaff]

or get the 03.5 that didn't have 1

 

[zanardi 47]

Roof Rack Noise

1) I do have the fillers for when the roof rack is not installed (see picture). I have no issues with excessive wind noise.

2) Can someone advise on what the deflectors are? Is is the sunroof deflectors? (see chuyler1's post)

3) I noticed the front leading edge of the roof rack bars do have sharp corners. Whereas, the rear edge does not. (see a few pictures attached too) Has anyone tried reversing the roof rack bars and/or try adding a better transition to the front leading edge to see if there is a impact to wind noise?
I haven't had the chance to try those few things as when I purchased the vehicle 4 years ago, the wind noise got to me and I removed the factory roof rack and ran with the fillers since I was not planning to use the roof rack anytime soon (and 4 years later ...).


I'm not sure if I am diving into this more than I should, but with Thule Rack systems we use on our other vehicles, I have never heard so much wind noise before. Same for the factory racks for my Nissan Pathfinder ....

 

[ProtoType5]

Take them off...If the someday ever comes up that you need them...It takes about 15 minutes to put them back on...So enjoy years of wind-noise free driving for a sacrafice of 15 minutes when you finally decide....I'm gonna put something up there....Just my opinion....I never used my moonroof until I took the things off. Now the car cuts through the air on the highway, gas mileage is way better, and I have a moonroof I actually use, instead of a roof rack I never used.

 

[Nomad]

take em off if you don't want to hear them.
Maybe you could buy oneof those straight angle board deflectors like yakima racks have.
Then agian, you'll still have wind turbulence after the deflector.

I bought the car with the rack on and the mazda plastic moonroof deflector.

Yanked them both off and noise went way down. It's actually fun to have the moonroof open and the windows down.

The rear windows do whistle a tiny bit, nothing to do about that but leave them closed.

 

[Pretzellogic]

I only put mine on when I'm going to use 'em. Couldn't stand the noise.

 

[MP5_509]

I guess im used it cause i dont hear the noise anymore, when i do, just turn up the music.

 

[kolashaker]

Take them off...If the someday ever comes up that you need them...It takes about 15 minutes to put them back on...So enjoy years of wind-noise free driving for a sacrafice of 15 minutes when you finally decide....I'm gonna put something up there....Just my opinion....I never used my moonroof until I took the things off. Now the car cuts through the air on the highway, gas mileage is way better, and I have a moonroof I actually use, instead of a roof rack I never used.

(mswerd)

 

[Breeegz]

Roof Rack installed = wind noise
roof rack uninstalled = no wind noise
--At least for me anyways. the wind noise drove me crazy.

if you need pics of the filler caps, pm me and I'll e-mail them to you (easier to email them, cause I'm using my camera/phone)

 

[samm5149]

i just got a p5 and i had the same problem. i moved the rear rack forward about 2 inches and the noise stopped. hope that helps!

 

[paranoidxe]

humm...I don't experience any noise with the rack on my car, unless I have the sun roof open. Even with the stereo down.

 

[Mmmmmken]

Bingo! What he said!

Take them off...If the someday ever comes up that you need them...It takes about 15 minutes to put them back on...So enjoy years of wind-noise free driving for a sacrafice of 15 minutes when you finally decide....I'm gonna put something up there....Just my opinion....I never used my moonroof until I took the things off. Now the car cuts through the air on the highway, gas mileage is way better, and I have a moonroof I actually use, instead of a roof rack I never used.