Just got around installing the roof rail and cross bars and as expected they were noisy. I had an extra set of cross bars from my Volvo xc90 that were extremely quiet and decided to look around and see if I find any obvious differences in their design. The Volvo has a a rubber piece on the top center with small slits that are design to break the window over the cross bar . I went ahead and installed the rubber on top of the existing rubber on the Toyota cross bars and the noise is largely reduced. For those who are interested I believe the rubber piece can be purchased on Amazon as well.
Cross bar noise remedy
- Thread starter teghogh
- Start date
What did that extra wind resistance cost you in MGP? 
Getting older and having been a musician for most of my life I can say the crossbar noise isn't something I hear...either that or having a soft top Wrangler prior to this means that any vehicle will sound like a quiet ride. Cool solution though!
Getting older and having been a musician for most of my life I can say the crossbar noise isn't something I hear...either that or having a soft top Wrangler prior to this means that any vehicle will sound like a quiet ride. Cool solution though!
Breaking up the air flow like this can in some cases decrease wind resistance and improve MPG.What did that extra wind resistance cost you in MGP?
Getting older and having been a musician for most of my life I can say the crossbar noise isn't something I hear...either that or having a soft top Wrangler prior to this means that any vehicle will sound like a quiet ride. Cool solution though!
True...I wonder if golf-ball textured wraps are an option
Does this car veer heavily to the right like my golf balls do?
“Oh, It Looks Good On You Though.”
Very interesting. I don't like the noise of the crossbars. I have been contemplating taking them off when we are not using them (which is prolly 50 weeks a year). This is interesting solution. Do you hear any noise with the rubber? What is the link for the rubber piece on Amazon (or at least the search words?). Thanks.
How does rubber attach?
