Roof Rack Wind Noise Reduction

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.

Roof rack wind noise reduction.

A wind fairing is a windshield that is placed on the front crossbar of a roof rack. I was working on adapting a roof rack on the 4runner it made a lot of wind noise enough that i took it off until i had time to work on a deflector for the front and get the plywood in the basket. When i had it on i realized i had to. Anything you put on the outside of your vehicle will result in a noticeable amount of noise while driving.

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. 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. The top section of the wind fairing attaches to the front crossbar while the bottom rests on top of the car. Results from experimental modal analysis and sound pressure spectrum measurement in a wind tunnel indicate the direction of design modification for reduction of the roof rack noise and vibration.

You may not recognize it but even crossbars from a ski rack or an empty roof basket create a barrier against the wind that will make some annoying sound or noise. A roof rack wind fairing is an easy to install plastic shield that deflects wind away from the roof rack therefore reducing wind noise. Wind fairings are usually universal but are available in different lengths to fit your vehicle.