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Bad Wind Noise From Light Bar ** FIRST POST

7K views 19 replies 12 participants last post by  Rovercross 
#1 ·
I confess…Guilty of being a forum lurker, but in my defense; this community is so awesome at solving problems and addressing questions, that I haven’t had anything to add. Please don’t hold that against me. Maybe someday I will actually be a contributor.

Here’s my problem. I ordered the RedRock Light Bar from Extreme Terrain for the purpose of carrying kayaks between the bar and extender that will go into the rear trailer hitch. I have no intention of putting lights on the bar. The install was easier than expected and the fit was perfect. This setup looked like the perfect solution for carrying the kayaks and canoe on the JKU until I drove down the road. The wind noise and the flapping top is unbearable with just the bar. My first course of action was to search the forum, but for the first time, no answer turned up. My search for deflectors didn’t provide anything that looked acceptable. I’m open to suggestions.

PS: First time Jeep owner. Ordered 2015 JKU Sahara, color Tank, in October 2014. Received just before Thanksgiving. Loving every minute of the drive.
 
#2 ·
Is it a high pitched whistle? If so, you have a few options to fix it. I personally went with purchasing automotive door trim and sticking it in between the fins on the light bar.

From what I've read, what happens is that the wind hits the fins and creates the whistling effect.

Second option is to find one of those fluorescent light bulb (Think industrial) holders that protects the bulb. Cut that in half and place it over the fins of your light bar.

3rd option is silicone. Not sure but I've read some people have had success.

Do a search for whichever option you decide. Good luck
 
#3 ·
Is it a high pitched whistle? If so, you have a few options to fix it. I personally went with purchasing automotive door trim and sticking it in between the fins on the light bar. From what I've read, what happens is that the wind hits the fins and creates the whistling effect. Second option is to find one of those fluorescent light bulb (Think industrial) holders that protects the bulb. Cut that in half and place it over the fins of your light bar. 3rd option is silicone. Not sure but I've read some people have had success. Do a search for whichever option you decide. Good luck
No fins, only these tabs for mounting the lights. Are they what is causing the turbulence?
 

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#6 ·
^What he said + that little gap between the windshield frame and the bar is causing you a big headache because the wind is driving through there at a very high pressure and causing your top to flap. You definitely need to close that gap with some sort of deflector or maybe even some stick-on foam to sandwich between the bar and frame.
 
#7 ·
Get a piece of the pipe insulation and wrap it around the bar, plugging that gap. Once in place use zip ties to hold it and you should be good.
 
#9 ·
I think these guys hit the nail on the head. Fill the gap between the bar and the top of the windshield and you should be to go. Unfortunately the only Wind Deflector we have is specifically designed for the Gavin rack and it won't bolt on, but it may give you some ideas if the foam pipe insulation doesn't do it for you.

Let us know how it works out!

-Ryan
 
#15 ·

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#14 ·
Tom,

I can definitely look into this for you with RedRock. Can you shoot me over an email with this picture and your details to ryan[dot]huck[at]extremeterrain[dot]com and I'll see if I can get something sent out to you?
 
#13 ·
No Help, Just FYI



Just a for instance... put Thule racks on my wife's '10 Liberty, w/o anything on the bars unbelievable wind noise! This is a closed vehicle (sunroof closed)! Worse of course with Kayak saddles on, tried Thule's "spoiler" worse. Gave up, on a trip w/o kayaks left the bars at home, only solution??:censored:

Different vehicle I know, just FYI.

Wolfdog '12 JKU Sahara and now '15 Trailhawk no Liberty (no racks!!)
 
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