I picked up the Mini tonight with the newly installed OEM roof rack, drove off the lot and from 30mph and on there is a noticeable whistling. I got home, covered the small holes on the feet of the rack with electrical tape, and took a test drive and the whistling was still there.

Is this a problem with all Mini OEM roof racks and is there a solution. I just made another post about compatible fairings since I couldn't get the Thule fairing to fit. Hopefully a fairing will eliminate the whistling.

 

Wind noises are FREE of charge with all roof racks.

 

My full Thule roof rack that I had on my Subaru was quiet as can be. I just wish I could locate the problem on this setup. Like I said, hopefully a fairing will help, but I am still trying to figure out how to fit one on the crossbars.

 

Hi,

I am assuming it's a gen 1 rack that is bolted to the car. If so, then you need to remove the front rubber piece that is on the rack. Remove that and it will stop whistling.

 

I'll try that but which rubber piece are you talking about? The rubber strip that fits in the channel of the crossbar?

Thanks

 

I have a Yakima roof rack on my 04 MCS and also have a bit of whistling. This rack is not bolted to the car in any way and I have the front shield on it too. With a Yakima rack, you can't even open the sunroof because of space constraints. It's just something you need to live with.

 

Yep, that's the one. If you have nothing on the rack, it will whistle. If you have something on there, you will be ok.

You need to remove the rubber anyway to put attachments on (they slide in the channel).