I just installed a Yakima roof rack for my '02 coupe. The plan is to put mountain bikes up there during the summer.

With just the base bars (no accessories for bike installed yet), the wind noise has
risen significantly. I've looked online and found that Yakima has a wind fairing which is supposed to reduce the wind noise. Does anyone have any experience with a rack (either Thule or Yakima) on your car?

Thanks.

 

The fairing does the trick. I've used one on my 98 sedan with a Yakima rack since it was new, it just about eliminates wind noise.

 

are these racks you speak of peformance add ons? if so how much do they add on? is it like 50 horses? haha jk... good luck with ur rack noise man.

 

You could say it increases downforce at high speeds. You could also say decreasing the howling rack noise increases driving pleasure.

In fact, you could say many things...

 

like purple monkey baby bumpers?

 

I use the faring on my Thules. Works great, but it is still really loud with the sunroof open.

 

Thanks everyone. I'll keep an eye out on ebay for a fairing. Not going to pay retail on this thing.

 

I use a Thule system on my '99 LX, have had no real problem with wind noise, though I only keep it on when I am carrying something.

The cross bars are real nice, I've carried a queen size bed (springs and mattress), tables, chairs, several suitcases (note my avatar to the left, in it I have the roof rack on, loaded with suitcases), lumber, ladders, entry doors (with framing), etc on my Accord. Obviously not as functional as a pickup truck, but you'd be suprised what you can carry. Note the weight limit though, on my Thule system it is 150 pounds.

As for the fairing, figure out the model number then do a google search (or do a search at a place like http://www.mysimon.com), you should be able to find some discounters.

 

Iive never noticed any wind noise ewith my yakima

 

As others have said, the fairing makes a huge difference, it really cuts down the wind noise. There's still some, but not much. Nothing rolling down the windows can't drown out!

But talk about a huge strain on my poor 4-banger lugging around a bike on the roof....I should've bought a 6 in something with a manual.

b

 

I've got a Yakima wind faring on mine. Does the trick. Just make sure it's not mounted too close to the windshield or you may lose it on the interstate somewhere.

http://members.roadfly.org/Ses...4.JPG

 

Do you guys with the roof racks keep yours up all the time, or only put it on when you need it?

I only use mine maybe four times a year, so I keep it off. When it is on there is the howling, but I use it so infrequently that I don't want to spend the money on a faring (I have a Thule rack).

 

I've only had mine for about a year now, but I basically keep it on for late spring, early summer, and most of fall which is the prime riding season around here. I take it off for winter because the trails tend to be too wet, and I don't get time to ride.

I don't like to put it on/take it off much, less risk of scratching paint, etc. Plus the birds like the perch so they can crap on my roof.

b