Roof Rack Strap Noise

The secret to reducing the noise from roof straps lies in the proper strapping technique.

Roof rack strap noise.

With a thule kayak roof rack you re all set to get the most out of your passion. This also helps cut down on noise. Before you begin traveling pull the crossbars of your roof rack left to right to see if it s loose. Yakima is the world s leading brand of car racks including roof racks bike racks hitch racks and many more for all of life s adventures.

A wind fairing s goal is to reduce the wind noises which are brought about by the roof rack you have placed in your vehicle. This helps eliminate strap strum the rhythmic vibration of the strap in the wind. A flimsily placed bike roof rack can meet your car and rub against it as your drive creating noise. 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.

If the surface the wind passes over has a consistent shape the disturbance becomes tonal and at certain frequencies very annoying. Under the right conditions this strum can generate enough energy to actually melt and part a strap. Set the item on the car roof. Most people get their kayak or clamshell storage unit secured and then in their eagerness to get on the road leave the job incomplete.

If the noise is from a long section of the strap flapping in the wind on a flat surface at highway speed try covering that section with a foam tube water pipe insulator from home depot before you tighten up the strap. Place the item you wish to carry squarely on top of your car s roof making sure it is centered both front to back and side to side. One of the most common sources of noise from roof straps is the extra length of strap that is loose after an object has been secured. 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.

Spend more time out on the water. You can also add weather stripping where the car and rack touch to reduce the friction and sound.