I have fitted a set of Thule roof bars, the bars themselves are the wing type, dearer than the standard ones and supposedly the most aerodynamic and quietest ones.

At 70 mph it sounds like you have a nomadic group of pan pipe players in the car with you, it is really that bad

I will be the first to admit that I didn't fit them as per instructions using the measurements they supply but at the end of the day if they are fitted securely, which they are, I can't what it matters and I need them to be as far apart as they can be to accommodate long items that wont fit in the car.

Anyone else experienced this or have found a solution apart from the obvious one (fitting factory rails)

Ian.

I bought the same bars two weeks ago and the noise in the car is increased, also at low speed but I think the major problem is the fitting system that stretch the door seals, so now the car is not well sound proof.

I assume you have the fat side facing forward, if you have the thin side of the bar facing the front of the car they will be noisey.

My land rover ones were fitted the wrong way round and were noisy, looked at instructions, turned them around and no noise.

You assume correctly, after looking on the "Tinternet" it's a common issue from what I can see. I have tried a few of the suggested fixes I found and will have to wait until I can take it for fast run to see if its improved things.

I have these on an Audi A4, albeit fitted to the roof rails, and experience no noise issues. Hope that's of some help.

Have had original LR roof rails and bars fitted on 2 freelanders no noise no problem ..  Wales
Were the mud is thicker, and the ruts are deeper.
(And we have the water to wash it off, and more on the way..! )
Sd4 and chrome Ar*e piece, Auto box for best fun
09 Xs Gone
12 xs Gone
HSE with Leather seats and 4 years warrenty.. staying for now !

I have the Prorack Whispbars, which are virtually silent. They have a rubber sealing strip inserted in the accessory groove in the top face. If the rubber is not fitted, or not fitted correctly, they can whistle. Do the Thule bars have something similar?

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Hi Bob, yes the Thule ones do have all the infill strips. The problem is my car has no factory roof rails so I have the Thule mounting kit as well. From what I found out, a lot of the mountain bike people have problems with them on various cars. The fix seems to be bung all the holes you can see and experiment with moving the position of them on the roof. You can buy a spoiler to fit to the front one but that may just mean throwing more money away. I still need to see if I have improved things yet as I have not had the time.


Thanks for all the replies BTW.

Ian

Likewise Ian, I have no roof rails. The Whispbars clamp on the door frames like the Thule. I believe the Thule fit has a higher and "lumpier" design bracket though. I guess, as you say, it is this that is making the wind noise. See mine here:

Click image to enlarge

Thanks for the picture, they are much nicer than the Thule ones and as you say not as chunky. Wish I had known about them.

But having laid out nearly £200 I'll have to stick with them.

Ian.