Thule cross bars howling on the highway...

**dexter** · 12-26-2007, 09:08 AM

i've had the same issues on both my xc70 and honda odyssey. after moving the front bar forward and back, i have found that either a fairing or windsurfer pad will fix the issue. the pads should cost around $25 and the fairing around $60. the pads are easier to remove if putting on a box, the fairing will work with most accessories but the box. good luck.

**sachsarch** · 02-24-2008, 03:38 PM

It's an aerodynamic/ acoustic problem. Cheapest solution is to buy a package of foam pipe insulation covers from Home Depot or Lowes. You can Velcro the joint or use tie wraps (plastic). Won't last forever and will get wrecked in a car wash. Some surefer shops sell a rip-stop nylon covered wrap that also goes on the rack bar

**littlewaywelt** · 02-25-2008, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Art

I usually just remove the bars altogether when they are not needed. It only takes me a couple of minutes and after that I never have to worry about noise.

+1

**Cross Current** · 02-28-2008, 05:59 AM

I purchased the Thule fairing. It works well and looks good.

**daverikaw** · 02-28-2008, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by dexter

the fairing will work with most accessories but the box.

I use the our thule evolution box and fairing together without problem.

**Mink** · 02-28-2008, 12:58 PM

This may not help you, Chinapat, but in case anyone else is planning to get cross-bars - I have the Volvo ones (aero shape, fit level with the roof rails rather than above them, made by Thule I was told) and they don't make a sound up to 120 km/h. Dunno above that - the fines for speeding here are vicious.

**striperhound** · 02-28-2008, 04:46 PM

The most noise I notice from my Thule's, bars stick out past the car. I'm going to try and carry two kayaks this year, one with a 28 inch beam and the other 21.25 inch.

Mink, if a policeman should stop you over 120 kmh and he asks how fast you were going, just reply, obviously, not fast enogh because you caught me.

**ozz377** · 12-29-2008, 08:25 PM

How is fitting racks to the aero crossbars work out? Standards mounts o more hardware needed for a box or ski carriers?

**OKCXC70** · 12-29-2008, 10:11 PM

HEEHEE! Yep, the Thule bars howl like a love sick whale! But the cheapest solution is to take the bars off. The noise means wind resistance and wind resistance means lower MPGs. Seriously.