JohnLX300

iTrader: (2)

I researched this on here so far. But I really didn't get a good description of what the roof rack wind noise sounds like. I get a whistling wind noise going over 50mph, I usually always keep the sunroof cover open to let the sun into my car. When I close this sunroof cover this noise is greatly reduced. Is this related to the roof racks?

maxSteel

I removed the roof rack from my 1999 rx300 to get rid of this noise. Alternatively you can try a wind deflector such as: http://www.orsracksdirect.com/thule-871xt-fairing.html

salimshah

Many years ago, this was the only complaint posted on this forum.

There are two ways to minimize it (assuming you want to keep the bars).

1. Reduce the noise at the source. Align your tie-down eye holes in such a way that hole is on the side. You will not get the whistle affect as you drive. The other is to position your slats at the right spot to do some cancellation. I took my RX to Lexus and they were looking at some measurement and secured the slats at that point. I can possibly measure mine and post them here. [next few days are busy].

2. Reduce the infiltration. This may require replacing the rubber seal around the hatch.


Other options are to remove the rack completely. I prefer to have it but some folks like the RX without it.

Last of all you can drown it by cranking the stereo up.

Salim

georgie39

I have a 2002 RX 300 that I recently purchased pre-owned.
My RX has no tie downs in the roof rails.
I remember my 2003 Toyota Highlander had the tie downs (a couple on each side) and they were handy to have, although you couldn't put much on the roof to tie down unless you wanted to dent / scratch your roof.
Did the 2002 RX come with tie downs as standard equipment?
Would they be available from one of the parts outfits that are referred to on this web-site?
Any input would be appreciated.

salimshah

gorgie39, you will have to look at the sales brochure with pictures of your model.

The very early RX had rubberized slats glued to the roof. Folks loaded stuff directly on it and very promptly, Lexus removed them. Since that time the carrier transfers the weight to the edge and down the sides.

The wind deflector at the rear was also a source of noise/complaints and that got modified as the models kept changing.

Without the eyelets you can tether the stuff to the rails. The eyes can be useful for the net tie-down. I would not be surprised if Lexus just took them out.

Salim

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Remove the roof rack crossbars and tiedowns. If the noise goes away, this is your problem; if it doesn't it's the seals on the sunroof. The roof rack noise is usually more of a "thrumming" noise, depending on the position of the crossbars.

georgie39

Thank you Salinshah for your response.
I don't have an original sales brochure for my year RX 2002.I will just keep looking at the RX's for sale on e-Bay. Maybe I can get a good shot of an RX in my year that will show whether or not they came equipped with tie downs (if the owner didn't already remove them)
I really don't have a wind noise problem I just would like to have the tie downs to make my RX complete and in case I ever did want to carry something on the roof and had to tie it down.
I used the tie downs on my Highlander once in three years of ownership.

JohnLX300

iTrader: (2)

So yesterday, I purchased roof rack pads for my RX. I got them from surf city, in myrtle beach, but I'm pretty sure you can find them anywhere on the internet. I've tried moving the crossbars according to the toyota TSB, this didn't do much, my rood racks weren't off by much. So I added this on in the parking lot so I could test it on the was home. Whistling sound has been completely eliminated. But, since I am a detailed person, I can notice wind rushing noise, that is substantially less that the whistling. This also could be reduced by the thickness of the pads, considering mine are not that thick. For anyone who wants to get rid of the whistling this is definately it. The pad measurement is 36" and it fits the entire length of the rood rack.