Roof Rack Wind Noise

I have recently purchased a RTL with a roof rack. The factory roof rack creates a lot of wind noise. I drove other Ridgelines with and without the roof rack and there is significant wind nosie with the rack and almost no noise without the rack.

So, time for some experimentation. I moved the cross rails to the back of the rack....the wind noise level was about the same but now I could hear it from the top rear of the cab.

I then moved the cross rails to the front. The wind noise was at the same level but moved to the front of the cab.

Since the roof rack was primarily for looks (came on the one I wanted at the dealership), I removed the cross rails entirely from the roof rack and the wind noise reduced by approximately 50%. This level of noise is much more tolerable. I have also placed silver duct tape on the open slots of the rails and I can not tell this reduces noise. Hope this helps someone.

I, too, purchased the roof rack mainly for appearance-sake.
I notice the wind noise at 35mph and it's quite pronounced.
I have two other vehicles (Ford Escape and Mercury Mountaineer) that have roof racks and they do not make any noticeable noise.

Does the factory-installed rack make much noise?
Let me know.

PS
Anyone in the market for a Ford Escape or Mercury Mountaineer???? :rolleyes:
I'm seriously contemplating selling both and getting my wife a Pilot.
Dang Ridgeline, my first Honda and it has changed me from a "Ford man" to a "Honda man"! (who owns a "girly truck"!!!!) :D

MJ

Yes the description above relates to the factory roof rack. As you stated it makes a lot of noise beginning at relatively low speeds 30 - 35 mph.

I have recently purchased a RTL with a roof rack. The factory roof rack creates a lot of wind noise. I drove other Ridgelines with and without the roof rack and there is significant wind nosie with the rack and almost no noise without the rack.

So, time for some experimentation. I moved the cross rails to the back of the rack....the wind noise level was about the same but now I could hear it from the top rear of the cab.

I then moved the cross rails to the front. The wind noise was at the same level but moved to the front of the cab.

Since the roof rack was primarily for looks (came on the one I wanted at the dealership), I removed the cross rails entirely from the roof rack and the wind noise reduced by approximately 50%. This level of noise is much more tolerable. I have also placed silver duct tape on the open slots of the rails and I can not tell this reduces noise. Hope this helps someone.


Trader:
How hard was it to remove the rails? I took mine to the dealership on Thursday and they strongly recommneded against it! Said it was a major job and that the entire rack needed to be unbolted in order to unscrew the end pieces from the side rails. I would need torque bits (which I don't currently have). How long did it take and do you have any instructions or recommendations on how to do this? Thanks

It is very easy. You could do it yourself.
Simply unsnap the plastic covers on the front and middle of side rails. This will expose 2 torx screws under each cover. Remove the torx screws (4 places times 2 screws = 8 screws).

Then there are 2 screws under each side rail that holds the front plastic mount to the side rail.. Remove the screws, slide off the plastic mount, then slide out the cross rails. It really is very easy. About 20 minutes max total to accomplish this.

You can also look at the installation description of the rack to better explain how this is accomplished.


http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html

Trader:
Thanks! ;) I'm going to give it a try.

Trader:
You're a star! I removed the cross rails and my wind noise is gone. I can now ride in the calmness that those without racks experience. Thanks for the detailed tip! :)

But I don't have a roof rack and still l have this strange whine (wind noise) at 35-55 mph.

For rlguy: Other posts have talked about a problem with the windshield that makes a whistling noise. Is that what you have?

For the people who removed the cross bars: The wind noise I have is noticable but not that bad. It does should hollow so I was wondering if it's really the cross bar vibrating in the wind rather than actual wind noise. I was thinking about taking the bars off and filling them with a low expansion foam and putting them back. Any comments on this idea?

ROColorado.... My opinion is that foam in the crossbars won't work. The crossbars are very well constructed and very rigid. I don't think it is vibration that was making the noise.

The overall roof rack is one of the largest you will see on any vehicle. Since my original wind noise problem, I have been observing other roof racks. The Ridgeline one is typically much larger than most. This in itself would account for a lot more wind resistance, therefore....more wind noise.

ROColorado, I would agree with Trader in that this rack is substantially larger than most (specifically the cross rails). I removed my rails, but did not cover the slots. I would also agree that it probably doesn't much matter if the side rails are covered or not. Now that the bulk of my wind noise is gone, I can barely detect some noise from the front rack posts. These are rather substantial as well. Not much you can do to eliminate that however.

It's too bad Honda doesn't offer a wind deflector (do they?) to go with the roof rack. That would help a lot with the noise (which I've noticed now too). When I bought the Yakima racks for my wagon, the noise was *insufferable* -- I'm talking, really, really, really bad, even with all windows and moon roof closed. I got the Yakima deflector, which cost too much money IMHO, but man, did it make a huge difference! Honda, are you listening? :)

It's too bad Honda doesn't offer a wind deflector (do they?) to go with the roof rack. That would help a lot with the noise (which I've noticed now too). When I bought the Yakima racks for my wagon, the noise was *insufferable* -- I'm talking, really, really, really bad, even with all windows and moon roof closed. I got the Yakima deflector, which cost too much money IMHO, but man, did it make a huge difference! Honda, are you listening? :)

Oh I definitely agree with you that a deflector should be considered, but I believe that this is really an aftermarket product produced for Honda and is from Thule. I am surprised Thule hasn't offered any products yet for the Ridgeline. Honestly I don't notice any noise from the roofrack, but maybe I am just deafer than I really think.

The reason why I suggested it should be OEM rather than after-market is because I know at least in the case of the Yakima deflector, the fit is much better when you also have the Yakima racks (although it will work with other racks). Same probably goes for Thule, since they are pretty even competitors. I just would rather have something that is *made* for our roof racks, and maybe even says "Honda" or "Ridgeline" on it rather than "Thule" or "Yakima". :)

Maybe I'll just snag my wind deflector off the wagon and see if it works, and whether or not it makes a difference... I'll post the results. Has anyone else tried this?

take a few pictures of the roof rack without the cross bars if you can.

I just put over 500 miles on my Ridgeline with roof rack and running boards at speeds of 60-75 MPH and did not detect any undue noise. After all, a 32K vehicle probably won't be as quiet as one costing 350K.

Not only that, half the trip was in driving rain on the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I had no interior water leaks or other complaints about the truck.

I knew going in this was not a Rolls-Royce, so I expected some noises. However, this is probably the quietest vehicle I have owned to date (over 45 vehicles of all types).

It is a very comfortable truck with loads of great features, otherwise my wife would not have bought it for me! Yepper, she was a good catch (but she still is not allowed to take the truck to work or drive it without adult supervision - me).

Yes, my Access Roll-Up cover leaks a little and I have had it back to the installer for a fix, but the fix didn't work, so I will "fix" it myself. I have pinpointed the problem (small openings at either corner on the leading edges of the cover's metal parts). Climb inside the bed, close the tailgate, and have someone shine a strong light around the edges of the cover - you'll soon find the leak. Fix the leak and quit complaining.

Interesting:

I just found this in the install instructions of the roof rack:

11. To reduce wind noise, cut the rubber molding from each roof rack and install the pieces of the rubber molding you just cut between the crossbars.

Can anyone explain where this rubber molding is and came from so that I can check for it?

I aslo noticed that you have to cut the roof molding to install the roof rack making it a permenent install unless you purchase new roof moldings. :(

ninefive0:

If you look at the roof (without rack) you'll notice a rubber strip installed in the channels that run the length of the roof. The installer basically removes this strip, then installs the rack on the roof. They then cut the strip into pieces that will fill the channel gaps in between the front, back and middle roof rack support pieces. If you ever decided to remove the roof rack at a later time, you'd have to order new rubber pieces to fill the entire channel as the original rubber pieces were cut up.

tricycleone: most of the time the roof rack wind noise only happens to me when there's a cross-wind. So, sometimes it's very quiet, and sometimes the cross-wind hits it and it's pretty loud. This being the case, I guess a deflector wouldn't help, because it's not the head-wind that's the problem. Oh well. I just turn the radio up. :D

ninefive0:

If you look at the roof (without rack) you'll notice a rubber strip installed in the channels that run the length of the roof. The installer basically removes this strip, then installs the rack on the roof. They then cut the strip into pieces that will fill the channel gaps in between the front, back and middle roof rack support pieces. If you ever decided to remove the roof rack at a later time, you'd have to order new rubber pieces to fill the entire channel as the original rubber pieces were cut up.

So this rubber piece should be cut up and installed in the channels between the cross racks (per instructions)?

I would have to remove these rubber parts to slide the cross racks forward or back?

I'm just trying to find out if the pieces are installed in my rack.

So this rubber piece should be cut up and installed in the channels between the cross racks (per instructions)?

I would have to remove these rubber parts to slide the cross racks forward or back?

I'm just trying to find out if the pieces are installed in my rack.

The rubber pieces have no affect on sliding the cross bars backwards and forwards. They actually sit down in the channel in your roof.

ahhh....... thank you that clears it up!

I installed the OEM rack myself. It is damned noisy at modest speeds (~40 MPH). Moving the cross rails all the way to the back helped - my theory is they are less in the airflow there. It could also be simply the rails are further away from my ears. I think the noise is less above 60 both because of more noise in general at that speed and a change in air flow. I have the 40 MPH noise consistently - I do not think it is affected much by cross flow.

I have to say the install of the rack was absolutely stupid. Honda should have supplied pre-cut pieces instead of requiring the user to cut those pieces of "rubber" molding. The molding is rubber coated aluminum. If it wasn't for the cutting - the install is very straightforward.

A Honda wind deflector would be a very popular accessory but unfortunately there is no such thing.

ninefive0:

If you look at the roof (without rack) you'll notice a rubber strip installed in the channels that run the length of the roof. The installer basically removes this strip, then installs the rack on the roof. They then cut the strip into pieces that will fill the channel gaps in between the front, back and middle roof rack support pieces. If you ever decided to remove the roof rack at a later time, you'd have to order new rubber pieces to fill the entire channel as the original rubber pieces were cut up.
They are not rubber they are metal-aluminum.

Verify that your rails are installed correctly. They have a front & back.

See this image for details....


Hope it helps!

TL

It is very easy. You could do it yourself.
Simply unsnap the plastic covers on the front and middle of side rails. This will expose 2 torx screws under each cover. Remove the torx screws (4 places times 2 screws = 8 screws).

Then there are 2 screws under each side rail that holds the front plastic mount to the side rail.. Remove the screws, slide off the plastic mount, then slide out the cross rails. It really is very easy. About 20 minutes max total to accomplish this.

You can also look at the installation description of the rack to better explain how this is accomplished.


http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html

Trader,

This looks like the solution to my howling crossbars. Any special tools required other than the T-30 and T-25 Torx bit (I'm guessing these bits are available at an auto parts store)? Can the cross bar holders be removed from the rails? Please let me know, I'm ready to remove my crossbars. Thanks in advance.

It is very easy. You could do it yourself.
Simply unsnap the plastic covers on the front and middle of side rails. This will expose 2 torx screws under each cover. Remove the torx screws (4 places times 2 screws = 8 screws).

Then there are 2 screws under each side rail that holds the front plastic mount to the side rail.. Remove the screws, slide off the plastic mount, then slide out the cross rails. It really is very easy. About 20 minutes max total to accomplish this.

You can also look at the installation description of the rack to better explain how this is accomplished.


http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html

Trader provided the instructions earlier....

It was not hard to do....

TL

Thanks, I started out with his method but found that I was not able to remove the screws that held the front plastic anchors from the rails. I ended up removing the roof rack altogether, then with very little effort, the front plastic anchors came off after removing the screws. The crossbars slid off easily and the rails went back up on the roof and the noise problem is solved.

Thanks, I started out with his method but found that I was not able to remove the screws that held the front plastic anchors from the rails. I ended up removing the roof rack altogether, then with very little effort, the front plastic anchors came off after removing the screws. The crossbars slid off easily and the rails went back up on the roof and the noise problem is solved.
Can you post a pic of the cross-barless rack?

When the weather warms up, I intend to work on a way of attaching the crossbars so they can be removed or installed without removing the mounting side bars. If anyone wants to beat me to the job, or suggest methods, feel free!

I'll shoot some pictures this afternoon. Then I have to figure out how to post them, if you know of a quick way, please let me know, otherwise - I'll have to search through the menus to figure out how to post/attach them.

I think my Ridgeline looks better now and the quiestness in the cab is incredible. As as example, I used to turn the radio up to 26 on the volume control at highway speeds (70 MPH), after I removed the crossbars, I can hear the radio very comfortably with the volume control on 14.

Featser,

I'll check back periodically to see if you have come up with a method. I am just glad to be over the noise but eventually, I will have to put the crossbars back up when we travel for snow-skiing and when I go on fishin' trips, I use the ski-box to transport my fishing rods and waders.

I'll shoot some pictures this afternoon. Then I have to figure out how to post them, if you know of a quick way, please let me know, otherwise - I'll have to search through the menus to figure out how to post/attach them.
1st make sure your pic are 640x480.
If you have MS Picture Manager:
Click Edit Pictures (toolbar)
Resize (right-side Edit Bar)
Select Predefined width x height
Choose Web Large 640x480
Click OK
Save the picture
Now your ready to upload.
On the posting page if you scroll down you will see a Manage Attachments button. Click it.
Click Browse and navigate to the picture you just edited.
Click Upload
The file should now be listed on the page.
Close the box
Type your text like normal and click Submit Reply and your picture and text should all be there.

I'll shoot some pictures this afternoon. Then I have to figure out how to post them, if you know of a quick way, please let me know, otherwise - I'll have to search through the menus to figure out how to post/attach them.

I think my Ridgeline looks better now and the quiestness in the cab is incredible. As as example, I used to turn the radio up to 26 on the volume control at highway speeds (70 MPH), after I removed the crossbars, I can hear the radio very comfortably with the volume control on 14.
26!!!

I listen to XM on 7 to 9, I listen to the AM on 10 and FM on 8 to 10. The only time I go above 10 is when it is pouring rain outside and really loud with the wipers running.

Okay, here are the pictures of the roof rack without the crossbars. I think it looks pretty good. Any comments?

Thanks for the pics I think I might try it out this weekend.

I removed the cross bars due to the wind noise. It was far too loud. I tried moving them back, then forward, then back again. All the way back helped, but I just decided to take them totally out. MUCH BETTER!!!!!

If I need to haul anything (I doubt it) I will just put a couple short boards clamped in place. They are for looks more than function anyway.

My roof rack only makes noise when it has frost on it. Then it howls like a dog until the frost melts. With the mild winter this year in South Carolina this has only happened two or three times.

I knew going in this was not a Rolls-Royce, so I expected some noises. However, this is probably the quietest vehicle I have owned to date (over 45 vehicles of all types).


AMEN!! Even with the rack, it is way quieter than the 03 Tundra (with no roof rack or sunroof) that it replaced.

I say get the rack and stop whining, folks!

Take Care

I just picked up my RTL (no nav) on Friday. I stumbled on HROC after I placed the order and found I ordered all the accessories that people complain about (fog lights, roof racks w/ ski rack attachment & music link).

Anyhow, driving out of the dealer parking lot I immediately noticed a high pitch whistling coming from the racks at about 30 mph. I brushed it off as noise from the ski attachment. Got home and removed the ski attachments (leaving the screws still attached to the crossbar and went for a ride...the loud whistle was still present! At that point I was pretty frustrated.

I noticed the dealer had put 2 long plastic strips in on the floor in the back seat. Not sure what they went to, I started looking around. There is a channel that runs down the center of the crossbars (on top). It looks like they had to remove the plastic strip in order to install the ski rack.

Last night I had to remove the entire roof rack in order to completely take off the ski rack (which to me seems a horrendous design flaw by Honda). Once the ski rack was off, I put the plastic strips in the channel and remounted everything back on the car.

Took a test drive hitting about 55 mph. NO whistling at all. I'm happy and will never be putting that stupid ski attachment back on.

Okay, here are the pictures of the roof rack without the crossbars. I think it looks pretty good. Any comments?

Looks like a reverse mohawk! :D

took the RL on a road trip today (200 miles) for the first time. Wind noise drove me absolutely crazy:( What an annoying design flaw...it makes me wonder if Honda Engineers and designers ever drove an RL with roof rack before putting it on the market. Anyway, at about 35-40 MPH it starts and gets worse the faster I go. Well, I love the look of the rack, so before I remove the cross bars I'm going to remove the surfboard attachment and replace the rubber strips into them. After a test drive I'll decide if I remove the cross bars all together. Odly enough I'm sure I heard the noise coming from the passenger side only. Does this sound correct? Or is it the windshield gasket or moonroof seal? My build date is 1/06 which if I understand correctly all RL's built after Sept 05 have the windshield gasket noise sorted out. Also haven't noticed any significant gap between roof panel and moonroof seal. One way or the other that noise has to go. Other than that though, the RL is excellent. I've found no other auto on the market that fits me this well:)

I'm going to remove the surfboard attachment and replace the rubber strips into them.

I bet that will resolve the wind noise for you. For some reason, that gap on the crossbars likes to howl like a wolf. Replace the rubber strips and I bet you'll never want to put your surfboard attachment on the crossbars again. Not to mention the total hassle of removing the entire rack to do so.

you;re probably right MileHighGuy although when I saw the pics of sts036's RL without the cross bars i realized i like that look better than with. The surfboard attachment has never been used anyway, as its always been easier to lay the board in the bed. This morning I actually removed the cross bars and then used the rubber strips to fill in the gaps on the side bars. It looks great compared to the rails with gap exposed, and the wind noise is gone:D Thanks.

you;re probably right MileHighGuy although when I saw the pics of sts036's RL without the cross bars i realized i like that look better than with. The surfboard attachment has never been used anyway, as its always been easier to lay the board in the bed. This morning I actually removed the cross bars and then used the rubber strips to fill in the gaps on the side bars. It looks great compared to the rails with gap exposed, and the wind noise is gone:D Thanks.

Just wanted to clarify - the "rubber strips" are the black rubber from the top of the cross bars?

Can you please post a pic?

TIA

TL

yes the rubber strips are the ones intended to fill the gaps on the cross bars. They also fit nicely into the side rails of the rack. I applied a small bead of 3M plastic adhesive to the back of each strip just to make sure the wind won't lift them. Also, it requires a trimming of each strip by about 2 inches to get the proper length. This is my first attempt to attach pics, two of them...let me know if it works!

Excellent! Exactly what I was looking for!

Thank you!

TL

Hey tlaudio!

We had a thread going awhile back about step 11 of the roof rack install instructions:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=76921#poststop

We had left that thread with an open question about rubber strips. Do you suppose this placement of the rubber strips is what they are trying to describe in step 11? :confused:

Hey tlaudio!

We had a thread going awhile back about step 11 of the roof rack install instructions:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?p=76921#poststop

We had left that thread with an open question about rubber strips. Do you suppose this placement of the rubber strips is what they are trying to describe in step 11? :confused:

That is exactly what I am thinking!

I Wonder what the cross bars look like with the black rubber taken off?

Wonder why they did not provide some extra rubber to fill the gaps? I am going to take a look at the cross bars again! I think that this *might* solve the wind noise???

TL

my experience was that the cross bars without the rubber strips in them made lots of wind noise, particularly during cross-winds at higher speeds (50-80). Sometimes the whistling got so loud it was an effort to hold a conversation at speed. I didn't even try the cross bars with the strips in to compare the noise level, i just liked the look without the cross bars all together and decided to take them off. 15-20 minutes, no skill. NO NOISE most importantly.

That is exactly what I am thinking!

I Wonder what the cross bars look like with the black rubber taken off?

Wonder why they did not provide some extra rubber to fill the gaps? I am going to take a look at the cross bars again! I think that this *might* solve the wind noise???
TL

We're on the same page TL, as I have the same question as you! Why no extra rubber strips so that they can be used on the crossbars AND the side rails???

my experience was that the cross bars without the rubber strips in them made lots of wind noise, particularly during cross-winds at higher speeds (50-80). Sometimes the whistling got so loud it was an effort to hold a conversation at speed.

It sounds like removing the rubber strips from the cross bars isn't a good idea, unless you want to remove the crossbars entirely. Thanks for that heads-up adaminja!

I checked the hondapartsdeals.com website for the rubber strips as they have individual roof rack parts listed:
https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2715&hp_series_model=RIDGELINE&hp_series_year=2006&hp_series_door_ext_grade=4DR+RTL+SUNROOF&hp_series_transmission=5AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KA&hp_system=I&hp_component=XEX14
But they don't list the rubber strips separately from the cross bars (they get $67.65 for the cross bars and I'm assuming that the rubber strips come with the crossbars - at least mine were on the cross bars out of the box).

I wonder if anyone has seen similar rubber stripping for sale anywhere. I guess the best setup might be to have some sort of rubber stripping that fits well into the channels in the side rails, and then have it cut into short sections (maybe 6 inch long pieces or whatever) so that they can be reconfigured it you want to reposition the cross bars.
I may try just covering the gaps on the inside of the side rails with black electrical tape just as a temporarily measure to see what effect that has.
I understand if some may want to remove the cross bars, but I'd really prefer to leave them on.

I only got the awful wind noise when the rubber strips were removed from the crossbars. When I removed the ski attachment and replaced the rubber strips in the crossbars, my wind noise problem was resolved. Right now there are no rubber strips on the side bars and I don't think it needs any unless you like the look of black rubber w/ the crossbars...but as you noted, it would have to be cut in pieces to accommodate the crossbar.

Hey, adaminja...did you try driving your Ridge w/o the strips in the sidebars once you removed the crossbars? Did the empty sidebar groove create any wind noise??

On a sidenote, I returned the ski attachment to the dealer for a refund. They did not argue one bit. I briefly explained it wasn't acceptable to me to have to removed the entire roof rack from the truck just to insert the ski attachment on the crossbars...not to mention the wind noise in doing so.

Beware of any attachments (ski, snowboard, surfboard, etc) that require you to remove that rubber strip from the crossbar!

milehighguy...didn't test drive it with the cross bars removed and no strips in the side bars. Just liked the look so went ahead and put them in right away. I doubt I will regret removing the cross bars, thus rendering the roof rack a cosmetic item, as it was an inconvenience to use the surfboard rack i had on them anyway. If I change my mind in the future it will involve removing the strips from the side bars and then installing them in between the surf rack parts on each cross bar. Despite trimming about 2 inches off each strip, I'm sure they will be long enough if I choose to re-install the cross bars since each side of the surf rack is about 2 inches wide, meaning 4 inches of space filled per cross bar.

I went to my dealer yesterday and had the parts manager check to see if he could get the rubber strips. He only shows the rubber strips as part of the crossbars and can't seem to order them separately. I had him bring up the installation instructions and showed him step #11. He agreed that it was weird that Honda didn't supply an extra set of the rubber strips rather than suggesting removing the strips from the crossbars, cutting them, and using them in the side rails. Aren't they missing in the crossbars then? :confused:

He did say that he thinks the Honda OEM roof rack is actually manufactured by Thule. Apparently Thule manufactures the roof racks for many of Honda's vehicles - according to the parts manager.
So I went to the Thule website, but didn't have any luck finding anything about the Honda OEM roof rack or the rubber strips. I did send an e-mail to Thule's customer service asking the question.
I'll update this thread with whatever reply I get.

So I went to the Thule website, but didn't have any luck finding anything about the Honda OEM roof rack or the rubber strips. I did send an e-mail to Thule's customer service asking the question.
I'll update this thread with whatever reply I get.
I finally got a response to the e-mail that I sent to Thule. They say they supply the roof carriers (bike, ski, etc.) to Honda, but they don't make and supply the roof rack.
Looks like I'm striking out! :(

I went to my dealer yesterday and had the parts manager check to see if he could get the rubber strips. He only shows the rubber strips as part of the crossbars and can't seem to order them separately. I had him bring up the installation instructions and showed him step #11. He agreed that it was weird that Honda didn't supply an extra set of the rubber strips rather than suggesting removing the strips from the crossbars, cutting them, and using them in the side rails. Aren't they missing in the crossbars then? :confused:

H&A now sells the rubber strips everyone has been looking for!!

See this link for the details:

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7509

H&A now sells the rubber strips everyone has been looking for!!

Thanks for the heads-up! H&A comes through again!
Where would we be without the ROC??? :D

Hey ~

Who has pics of Thule or Yak installed on their RL? I want to see how the look, and if possible the 'feet' attached to the roof.

Thanks for any info - GREATLY appreciated ~~~

We're on the same page TL, as I have the same question as you! Why no extra rubber strips so that they can be used on the crossbars AND the side rails???



It sounds like removing the rubber strips from the cross bars isn't a good idea, unless you want to remove the crossbars entirely. Thanks for that heads-up adaminja!

I checked the hondapartsdeals.com website for the rubber strips as they have individual roof rack parts listed:
https://www.hondapartsdeals.com/honda_parts_list.php?hp_queried_components=0&hp_series_id=2715&hp_series_model=RIDGELINE&hp_series_year=2006&hp_series_door_ext_grade=4DR+RTL+SUNROOF&hp_series_transmission=5AT&hp_series_slsareacd=KA&hp_system=I&hp_component=XEX14
But they don't list the rubber strips separately from the cross bars (they get $67.65 for the cross bars and I'm assuming that the rubber strips come with the crossbars - at least mine were on the cross bars out of the box).

I wonder if anyone has seen similar rubber stripping for sale anywhere. I guess the best setup might be to have some sort of rubber stripping that fits well into the channels in the side rails, and then have it cut into short sections (maybe 6 inch long pieces or whatever) so that they can be reconfigured it you want to reposition the cross bars.
I may try just covering the gaps on the inside of the side rails with black electrical tape just as a temporarily measure to see what effect that has.
I understand if some may want to remove the cross bars, but I'd really prefer to leave them on.

The Honda part number for the rubber strips that go into the crossbars is 08L02-SCV-100R2.

I have a 2007 RTL with a roof rack and yes there is some wind noise. However, I installed the roof rack as intended; a working tool and accept the noise as part of the enhanced load capacity as a contractor. Disassembling the functionality of an option seems to be missing the point of "option".

stand by, I have a Yakima rack on my Ridge. took the stock rack off. tonight I'll take a pic or two and post it here. observations: I carry sea kayaks on mine. the stock rack was way too flexible and the bars were too close. with the Yak rack, it sits lower to the roof, it is way more rigid. since it clips to the roof, I can take it off when I am going on the highway without my boats, or of I anticipate going to the city (Vancouver or Seattle) to go in a parking garage etc. it does need the Yakima fairing to not make noise though. as long as you clean the pads and roof before you clip it on, it won't damage the paint. in a perfect world I'd rather have a factory rack, but oh well ... I have had a Yakima setup on every car I have owned since my new 1980 Volvo 240. that one, Taurus sedan, Taurus wagon (twins came), Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Quest (twins grew), Subaru Outback, Toyota Sequoia (twins had friends), VW Taureg (twins went to college), and my Ridge (dad got his own car). when you are done with your Yakima you can get most of the $ back on e-bay. pics tonight.

Just got around to trying this as a solution to the 40-65 mph wind noise in my 06 RTL (no s/r) (already replaced the windshield once).

Thank the ROC almighty! Eliminated the bothersome sound and saved my sanity. I'm one of the ones who got the roof rack for cosmetic purposes and I won't lose any functionality by losing the cross bars. If needed later, could get them back on in about 15 mins.

Needed T-30 and T-15 (I think) torx bits, but the install instructions mention a T-30 and T-25 (I think). The front covers basically pull straight up; I was worried I would break a tab or something, but had no problems.

Many thanx to everyone for the tips!

I had wind noise and it was very loud. I had a basket attached to the roof mount. I removed the basket and then I removed the cross bars here are a few pictures, the first is with basket and the second is without basket and crossbars. For more pictures check out website.....

http://www.members.cox.net/ridgeline06/100_1812.jpg
http://www.members.cox.net/ridgeline06/100_1983.jpg

This may have been posted earlier in the thread, but didn't see it.

Simply move the cross bars as far back as they can be moved, it totally eliminated he noise. It is 100% quiet, but I have a brand new 07 (3 weeks old), maybe Honda changed something?

Plus, you still have a usable rack, simply under do the thumb screws and spread them out as normal.

Machog

q. How does the roof rack rails come off?
Mine has one one adjuster per side per rail & doesnt look like it comes off easily with out taking whole rack off
Q. Does anyone know of an easy way?
thanks

It is very easy. You could do it yourself.
Simply unsnap the plastic covers on the front and middle of side rails. This will expose 2 torx screws under each cover. Remove the torx screws (4 places times 2 screws = 8 screws).

Then there are 2 screws under each side rail that holds the front plastic mount to the side rail.. Remove the screws, slide off the plastic mount, then slide out the cross rails. It really is very easy. About 20 minutes max total to accomplish this.

You can also look at the installation description of the rack to better explain how this is accomplished.


Honda Ridgeline Accessories - Genuine Factory Honda Accessories, made by Honda for your Honda. (http://www.handa-accessories.com/ridgeline.html)

Trader:

Your clear instructions are greatly appreciated. My 16-year-old son and I removed the cross rails in a few minutes.

Did anyone notice an improvement in gas mileage as well as wind noise?