Thread: Roof rack noise

My rack had 2 plates side by side as supplied and there is very little noise perhaps 1 was missed out of your package

Thanks for that - is the 'lip' of the plates at the back or the front?

Mine is at the back, ie right above my head, and i thought that might of contributed to the noise.

The lip should be at the front of the plate, but you can try moving the entire plate further back on the rack. They also have a deeper lip version, which may work better, given the roofline drops lower at the front of the D3/D4, and the rack probably acts a 'collector' for airflow blasting up over the windscreen.

The other point to check, is the length of the legs. They have a stack of different legs. You need the shortest leg they have for the back, to keep the front as low as possible to the roof line.

I have also seen a slide in rack on the front ( under the roofrack ) for a solar panel. It may actually assist in breaking up the airflow in the front section, plus be a handy spot to store the panel.

Just play around with different deflector positions. Deflectors can make a significant difference in the right area, and the right area is a matter of trial and error somewhat specific to each vehicle.

Another trick is sheet in the roofrack when it is not loaded. Generally the noise is caused by the air movement over the cross bars.

An update:- I got the second wind deflector installed. The supplier said two should be installed as standard! Anyway, noise is improved but still intrusive. Its quite below about 80km/hr and progressivly more noisey above that. So next step is to try loading the roof rack and see if that makes a difference. If so I will need to remove the rack when not using it. I don't mind a bit of noise if i am going on holiday but don't want it every day comuting to work.

Hi Rusty,
I am from Dolium P/L and the distributor for the these racks. I hope you don't mind me replying to you direct. (I am also a LR owner and forum user)

All D3/4 installations should have either 2 std width deflectors OR 1 extra width. We then have different depths of the lip. Because our rack baskets can be fitted to different vehicles they do not always leave the dealers with the correct deflectors for the D3/4 application. This is something we are trying to address with our dealer network and our fitment guides. (and I mean no disrespect for our dealers)

As you are in Perth, we would be happy to see your vehicle at our premises and better advise the best deflector for your vehicle.

Roof rack noise is a difficult issue and very subjective as well as being very dependent on loads, wind direction - and of course how loud you like your music! (sorry - just kidding)

Please feel welcome to contact me to arrange a visit to our Welshpool warehouse if you are still not satisfied with your installation.
Kind regards,
Adrian Stafford (08 9358 2575)

Hi Adrian,
It's good to see you "poke your head above the parapet".

On my FR rack, I have a single deflector. How do I determine whether it is the one designed for my D3?

Best Wishes,
Peter