THULE Ski Carrier Create Low Bass Wind Noise. HELP!!

[jinhakuma]

I recently install a Thule 725 Snowboard Carrier for my Ridgeline RTS( which is equipped with Honda Roof rack). Here's the problem:
1. Once the Thule carriers are up the roof rack, when driving between 55-70 mph, I heard a very annoying sound, low and strong like a 8-inch subwoofer sounds.
2. Been trying to adjust the bar, front and rear. And what I found out is: If BOTH bars are pulled to the front( all the way and touching each other), then the noise will reduce 95%. Any other position won't work.
3. Been asking lots and lots of people, from Honda Dealer, as well as people from Rack 'N Road stores, no one seem to know how to fix the noise.

Could someone please show me how to fix this problem? Greatly appreciate it.

[MikeT]

I have the factory roof rack. When installed it I noticed the same noise as you have described. I tried the same things you have including some others. What I did to boid the noise was to remove the headliner and installed Dynamat (If I got the spelling wrong forgive me) sound deadening mats and installed them on the roof skin. The cleared 95% of the noise. To clear the remaining 5%, I removed the crossbars.

The way I came to the conclusion to try Dynamat was that I noticed the the roof skin on the Ridge is quite pliable (Soft and easily bowed by lightly pushing on it). I ended up tapeing four six pound soft wights (Scuba stuff) to the roof in the area aroung where the front crossbar (or the sunroof would be) and back by the back crossbar. This had the same effect as the dynamat. Try weighting down these areas securely and take a test drive and let me know what your results are. Good luck.

[jinhakuma]

Thanks Mike.
I only experience the Wind Noise when the THULE Ski Carrier is installed on top of the roofrack. Without the THULE carrier, everything is fine.

[beepbill23]

Well, the ski carrier, creates FORCE/friction. Thus in return, you'll be receiving WIND noise, from the friction in the wind you hit it against. To me, i do not mind the wind noise, only because it tells me there is the Racks and they are still up there. Now, if you are not using them, then just simply take them off then, store them in the TRUNK! Thats where i keep mine, when not in use! And not in the garage! So, if i buy a new snowboard or a fishing pole larger that what can go into the cab or the bed, i pop the trunk, slap the ski racks on and bam, have instint holding power! So, therefore, simplicity outweighs the wind noise, IMO.

[jinhakuma]

Well, have you ever parked next to a guy who blast his music really loud, it hurts your ears? Yeah, that's exactly how noisy it is when I put my Thule Ski Carrier.
Previously owned a 4Runner, using the same Thule --> NO PROBLEM! It must be this particular Ridgeline I am driving.

[MikeT]

Originally Posted by jinhakuma

Could someone please show me how to fix this problem? Greatly appreciate it.

As I stated in my earlier post, try taping something heavy at the four points where your crossbars are (Like under each end of the crossbars). This cleared much if not all of my noise issue.

[SIMPLY DAVE]

Try getting Thule's fairing or Yakimas windbreaker or windblocker I forget what its call but it should cut the noise right out. I didn't even bother with either one I just use a soft surf rack in the front and that acts as my fairing! Good Luck

[bxh0118]

Very good information to have. I am having the same problem. I just picked up my RL from the dealer after they installed the ski rack and roof rack. Their was NO noise before and on the way home I heard the most annoying whistling. I like the suggestion about the wind deflector offered by Thule or Yakima. It appears to me that the rack sits up very high so I wonder if the deflector would be effective.

[bliss53]

I have the thule rack with the sliding ski rack. I makes alot of noise. I was thinking of getting a fairing. I have not put it back on since. I am always able to fit my skiis in the bed. I secure them with the oem cover and the tailgate lock from basic concepts.

[troy_v]

Has anybody put a Thule or Yakima fairing on their oem roof rack yet?