FJ Cruiser Roof Rack (Toyota's)

[CandyPants]

After listening to my Toyota roof rack howl in the wind as I drive, I went on a hunt for an air dam (like Gobi's) for the Toyota roof rack and came up with nothing. So I tracked down the company that engineered and produced the roof rack and emailed them asking if there was one available.

Turns out there will be...they say that it will be available in late 2006 and will include lights integrated in the design. The air dam will be available through Toyota, so if you are like me and want one that fits the roofrack, start emailing Toyota with the request and it might make it out faster.

 

[Brazenhead]

Is it the same one that's on the concept FJ?

 

[CandyPants]

My guess would be yes, but I would bet that it will be somewhat redesigned.

*EDIT* Well, not on the original concept because the roof rack was much more compact and situated on the front of the roof.

*EDIT AGAIN* Here is a photo I dug up online. It will look like this.

 

[weever]

I dont seem to have a howling problem with the roof rack. Have you tried changing the configuration of the bars or removing them. just curious....:you can put them back one by one and see which is the howler?

 

[CandyPants]

I have not done that yet, but it's my next step. When I talked to the guy who designed the rack, he suggested that too.

He did say however, that because I have different tires and wheels that it could make a dfference. Apparently even an inch higher changes the aerodynamics and could cause some noise. So when I lift it, it might change again anyway.

 

[greytandy]

When I installed the OEM roof rack the single top crossbar was fairly far back. It made no noise. I moved that bar forward to accommodate a cargo bag. When I removed the cargo bag I left the crossbar in the forward position. Lots of noise. Moved the top crossbar back to it's original position and no more noise. Try it and see if it works.

 

[SunFuCru]

I havent heard this noise coming from my rack. Maybe the color of your FJ has something to do with it. Mine is Sun Fusion and I hear that it is by far the most aerodynamic of the selection.

Just a thought.

 

[Brazenhead]

I heard the exact opposite, Sunfusion is supposed to be the loudest color while in fact the Titanium ones make the least amount of road noise.

 

[Blues Dawg]

My rig is a) sun fusion, b) lifted 2-1/2" w/ bfg's and c) makes no noise from the roof rack that I have noticed. front top bar is about mid point on the rack. I have noticed that the clamp on one side of the top bar does not tighten all the way down and when i have the paitence, it's going to the dealer on that one.

 

[moabrat]

Lot's about this problem around internet. This from FJ Cruiser Forums:

The kit Toyota has come up with to fix the rattle noise is PT278-35070-WK.

The repair is covered under your factory warranty and can be done at any Toyota dealer.

Per Technical Service Bulletin AX006-06.

If your dealer does not know of this fix just give them the TSB# AX006-06.

 

[SunFuCru]

That rattle kit includes a few cans of sun fusion yellow paint in order to improve the vehicles aerodynamics.

 

[moabrat]

That rattle kit includes a few cans of sun fusion yellow paint in order to improve the vehicles aerodynamics.

Lol, I have to get some of that. I only mentioned the TSB because it is so easy to do oneself. Here is a link. Just need a few washers.

http://www.alldata.com/tsb/Toyota/1148022000000_1148367600000_AX006-06/61.html

 

[CandyPants]

I did move the bars around and it has decreased the wind noise substantially. Much better now. I haven't heard a rattle yet, but the roof rack design guy did mention that they have had some issues with rattle.