RCI rack producing very loud whistle, can't solve it.

[BroncoStang]

Anyone else with the full-length RCI rack experienced a very loud whistle over the front passenger window. Any suggestions for eliminating the whistle?

I have tried everything from adding/removing extrusion bars, relocating them, the old wrapping them in paracord trick, tried sealing gaps, nothing is working.

If it was a slight whistle I can ignore it but it's so loud that a conversation can't even be had, it's like the whistle is inside the cab. Usually above 70mph and if I crack the window a couple inches then it goes away. If it's windy it whistles well before 70mph.

I checked my hard top seals and the seals are intact and all pieces sit flush with eachother.

I like this rack but the whistle is so bad I'm contemplating selling it and switching to the Trailrax system.

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[Brian_B]

Hmm. I'd say you haven't found what's actually causing the whistling. I'd keep at it with the paracord, just keep wrapping things until the whistle changes. You may not eliminate it at first, but at least find the spot that's causing it, and then can develop a more targeted plan of attack.

 

[Knownman]

Anyone else with the full-length RCI rack experienced a very loud whistle over the front passenger window. Any suggestions for eliminating the whistle?

I have tried everything from adding/removing extrusion bars, relocating them, the old wrapping them in paracord trick, tried sealing gaps, nothing is working.

If it was a slight whistle I can ignore it but it's so loud that a conversation can't even be had, it's like the whistle is inside the cab. Usually above 70mph and if I crack the window a couple inches then it goes away. If it's windy it whistles well before 70mph.

I checked my hard top seals and the seals are intact and all pieces sit flush with eachother.

I like this rack but the whistle is so bad I'm contemplating selling it and switching to the Trailrax system.

Pics can help us understand the options. My experience painters tape filling the gaps is also a way forward.

 

[BroncoStang]

Hmm. I'd say you haven't found what's actually causing the whistling. I'd keep at it with the paracord, just keep wrapping things until the whistle changes. You may not eliminate it at first, but at least find the spot that's causing it, and then can develop a more targeted plan of attack.

This is what I've been trying and so far no luck lol. I actually even went so far as to create a webbing of paracord between the front fairing and the next 2 extrusion bars with no change. For whatever reason it's largely unique to the passenger side so I also sealed off the little RCI logo cutout on the fairing just to try that yet it just keeps on whistling 🫠

The only thing I haven't done yet is add a light bar (holding off for the new DD bars) which might affect the airflow enough to change it? Idk. But so far can't pinpoint the source.

I also haven't been able to find much else about it whistling and this rack so idk if it's just unique to my Bronco, maybe there's a defect with the hard top that's just small enough for me to not be able to find it. Idk.

 

[BroncoStang]

Pics can help us understand the options. My experience painters tape filling the gaps is also a way forward.

I'll snap a pic of what I've settled with so far when I get home, just won't be able to until really late tonight.

 

[BroncoStang]

I'd honestly take the rattle over the whistle, the music can at least drown the rattle out

 

[Strykerwsu]

In almost 3 years ours has been extremely quiet, overall noise is same as when it is off. Pics would help to see how it might be different on than ours.

 

[BroncoStang]

In almost 3 years ours has been extremely quiet, overall noise is same as when it is off. Pics would help to see how it might be different on than ours.

Can you post a picture of your extrusion bar layout?

 

[C6ZZGT]

Can you post a picture of your extrusion bar layout?

And the obvious -- take the rack off and see what happens.

 

[BroncoStang]

And the obvious -- take the rack off and see what happens.

Did that. Whistle resolved, so 99% sure it isn't the hard top at least.

 

[BroncoStang]

Good for you.

K

 

[AK SNO RIDER]

Mine doesn't whistle, but I've never run it as a bare rack, just with an RTT

 

[Apollo]

I have the same rack, mine whistles only when its cold outside 15 F or less the rest of the time its quiet.

 

[Strykerwsu]

Can you post a picture of your extrusion bar layout?

Yes, when home later tonight will do.

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