Roof rack noise solution!!

[NJDevil5]

I too listen at about a level 6-7 but don't have the moon roof. I don't have the whistling / whining (like I'm doing right now), high pitched noise some are talking about. I do have a rather loud rumbling noise however. I guess I would expect some noise, but not to the degree that I have. I also do have the hood / bug deflector. I can't tell you if this causes any additional noise as it was installed, along with the rack and tonneau prior to my picking up the vehicle. I'm at a loss on options from here, aside from living with it which I'm prepared to do.

The sad thing is...the rack provides no additional value to me other than to look good (talk about vanity!)

[captmiddy]

Originally Posted by NJDevil5

I too listen at about a level 6-7 but don't have the moon roof. I don't have the whistling / whining (like I'm doing right now), high pitched noise some are talking about. I do have a rather loud rumbling noise however. I guess I would expect some noise, but not to the degree that I have. I also do have the hood / bug deflector. I can't tell you if this causes any additional noise as it was installed, along with the rack and tonneau prior to my picking up the vehicle. I'm at a loss on options from here, aside from living with it which I'm prepared to do.

The sad thing is...the rack provides no additional value to me other than to look good (talk about vanity!)

Maybe you really just need to get the bars off if you aren't even going to use them. No idea what tools are required to take them off, probably a torx wrench of some sort.

I believe there is some mention in the instructions for installing the roof rack that you can reduce wind noise by installing the rubber molding between the two cross bars. Not real sure why or what they are doing but perhaps there is something to this that will help you.

[H&A]

I'm not sure if this has been covered before (or even if they will fit in the wrong way), but check the way the crossbars are facing. The thick side should be forward.




-Trevor
Factory Honda Ridgeline Accessories

[arteegee]

The old teardrop shape, eh. Makes sense. Will have to remember that if I ever need to get one.

[H&A]

it was a common problem on the 1999-04 Ody as Honda labeled one of the crossbars with a small sticker that said "Front", the problem was they put it on the back of the front crossbar so a lot of installers put the sticker to the front.

-Trevor

[NJDevil5]

Unfortunately, the dealership has checked the direction of the bars and the rubber strips have also been cut and installed in the roof channels as directed in the installation manual. Removel of the cross members seems to be the best option although turning the volume up to 8 or 9 may be also work.

[Maddytk]

I'm considering taking off the crossbars (at least for most of the time). The Ford Freestyle's rack looks very similar to the RL, but it doesn't have the crossbars - only the pieces running front to back. This wouldn't provide quite the same holding power, but should be quieter. Can the crossbars be taken off?

[jjm454]

I immediately notieed the roof rack wind noise right after the rack was installed. I found that the position of the cross bars can greatly affect the noise. Try moving them more toward the rear.

I love my roof rack as I use it for carrying my Kayak, but I don't use the Honda kayak carrier.

I'll start a new thread about carrying the kayak with Yakima carrier.

[NJDevil5]

Originally Posted by Maddytk

I'm considering taking off the crossbars (at least for most of the time). The Ford Freestyle's rack looks very similar to the RL, but it doesn't have the crossbars - only the pieces running front to back. This wouldn't provide quite the same holding power, but should be quieter. Can the crossbars be taken off?

The crossbars can be removed and it's a fairly easy process. Just download the installation manual and you'll see the specific tools required. I believe it requires 2-3 torque bits which I had to borrow from a friend but once I had them the rest was easy. I ended up loosening the two back and middle support braces which allows you to access the two screws that hold the back braces to the side support rails. Simply slide the cross bars off once the back support braces are removed. The instructions recommended a torque sequence when re-installing. I would suggest using a blanklet on the roof just to protect the paint as you remove the components.

The noise was reduced well over 50% in my situation and was a welcome relief as it was really getting on my nerves.

[Schoenig]

Has anyone had experence or tried to add a pipe rack to the rear side rails. I am picking up my Blue RTS on 3/28/06. I sometimes carry long pieces of lumber.