Roof rack wind noise

[goodvibrations]

I have a set of gm roof racks not the original equipment ones that came with the older models but the after market cross bars, the gm accessory ones that set up higher up off the car. My problem is I find that when I have them installed I get a lot of wind noise. Is their something I can do to stop the wind noise. Thanks.

[MaxxVibe]

only drive under 20 mph LOL!!

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by goodvibrations »I have a set of gm roof racks not the original equipment ones that came with the older models but the after market cross bars, the gm accessory ones that set up higher up off the car. My problem is I find that when I have them installed I get a lot of wind noise. Is their something I can do to stop the wind noise. The "GM Utility Bars" look like they're made by Thule (same style and dimensions), so the Thule fairing (871XT) should help with the wind noise.But the utility bars are so easy to take off that we just keep them in the trunk or garage when there isn't some cargo on the roof - and if there is cargo up there then most of the wind noise is coming from it rather than the bars.

[MRCN RCE]

cross bars = DOWNFORCE!!!

[kunkstyle]

Quote, originally posted by MRCN RCE »cross bars = DOWNFORCE!!! That's why I bought an extra set and leave all four installed. Seriously though, with just the bars it's horrible. Whistly noise near the back of the car? Drove me nuts on a long road trip. I either leave the ski racks on as well, or take the whole thing off.

[MRCN RCE]

Quote, originally posted by kunkstyle »Whistly noise near the back of the car? Drove me nuts on a long road trip. well man, that's the price you gotta pay for a 71whp boost i honestly have no plans to ever use my roof rack, so i'll be getting the caps as soon as i pay it off, or before that if i can get my money right again. actually i've used the rack once to move a patio table for my friend. scratched up one of em, but oh well

[vibolista]

The Thule fairing really works. Easy install and worth the $$.

[kunkstyle]

Do you have a link? Pics? haven't seen one of those before.

[goodvibrations]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I guess if I want to leave the roof racks on I'll have to look in to the Thule accessory. I have seen a few Matrix's driving around with what looks like air deflector on the roof. I assume that is what you mean. Do you know how much they cost?

[lovemyraffe]

Go to Thule.com and they will have pricing there. It is going to be very similar to how my Yakima faring looks. It is worth the money. I won't run a rack on my car without it.

[goodvibrations]

Well I got a fairing. It does work very well and looks great. The Thule website recommended the 870XT which is only 32" wide looks stupid I think it must be a typo in the manual. I went for the 872XT which is 44 in wide. It goes beyond the rail so the racks are not as noticable and works great.If anyone decide to buy one and they have the gm accessorory racks not the factory ones they should opt for the wider fairing. Cost $85.00 plus tax but worth every penny.

[lovemyraffe]

I'm glad the fairing is working for you. I would have recommended to get the smaller one. I have 3 different sizes for my Yakima rack and run the smallest on this car. Works the best that way and doesn't look bad IMO.

[vibolista]

Hey Goodvibrations, I know it's a while back, but how about a picture of the Thule fairing on your car? I might get one for the Vibe. The fairing that I have, is on an old Saturn wagon that has been doing the tough winter ski and summer kayak duty. Glad that your fairing worked out. The Saturn rack and added bars were noisy from 40 mph up... really noisy. The fairing cut all that racket out. Very good investment in peace and quiet.