[Evillen]

Hi there,

When I purchased my ID.4 I also added roof racks that had to be shipped to the dealership and then put on as they weren't available at that time. Ever since I had them installed (the dealership did it) mine make a very annoying hum and vibrate at speeds between roughly 35-40mph (56-65kmh for our European friends). When I went in for my 30 day check-up, I mentioned this to them and nobody really made any comments about it and said they would look into it. When my car was done, the general manager told me that it was an issue that the VW engineers were aware of and were looking for a solution. They said they would let me know when they knew how to fix it. It has been probably 2.5-3 months since then and I haven't heard anything. Honestly I think they probably just forgot to let me know if there were any updates which is totally fine. I also haven't called them and asked so its also on me.

I have tried adjusting and moving them around myself and have been able to find a spot that minimizes it and makes it less annoying, but the issue still persists. For those that have an ID.4 and also have roof racks, is this a problem that you are having as well? If yes, have you been able to fix it and how? Did the dealer fix it for you or was it something you did on your own?

It is really just annoying and I'm at the point where I'm over the sound and if there isn't a solution, I am about ready to just ask if I can have my money back and get rid of the racks. I don't want to do that because I Like having them but the sound is driving me nuts.

Thanks in advance!

 

[daikon]

Following.

Racks are on the way but I am thinking I will only add them on the occasions when I need them.

I assume (hopefully correctly) that they are quick and easy to install and remove.

I know when I looked into racks, it was noted that there was a rubber sound dampening strip that needed to be put in a gap in the bars. Did you check to see if the dealer did this? Perhaps they through that sound dampening strip away and just installed the bars. BTW, mine are fire here tomorrow so I do not know what they look like or where they go in the bars.

Please keep us updated!

 

[JimmyVW]

Had the same. I wrapped a 3mm thick bungie cord around the bars and that stopped the noise.

it makes the wind turbulence pattern totally different, bit like the dimples on a golf ball.

 

[mochalatte]

Had the same. I wrapped a 3mm thick bungie cord around the bars and that stopped the noise.

it makes the wind turbulence pattern totally different, bit like the dimples on a golf ball.

I'm trying to picture that. Like in a helix down the length of the bar?

 

[JimmyVW]

I'm trying to picture that. Like in a helix down the length of the bar?

Exactly, at something like a 30 degree angle or something? Knot on both sides and latched the knot in the groove. Sits fine. And as I have a roofbox it just sits on top of the cord. But the noise doesn’t happen anyway when the box is installed, only when I drive with the bare bars

Have gotten the idea from a YouTube video someone posted, where they did exactly the same. Will try to find it back

 

[Evillen]

Following.

Racks are on the way but I am thinking I will only add them on the occasions when I need them.

I assume (hopefully correctly) that they are quick and easy to install and remove.

I know when I looked into racks, it was noted that there was a rubber sound dampening strip that needed to be put in a gap in the bars. Did you check to see if the dealer did this? Perhaps they through that sound dampening strip away and just installed the bars. BTW, mine are fire here tomorrow so I do not know what they look like or where they go in the bars.

Please keep us updated!

I believe they are pretty easy to remove and install. I didn't actually do mine since they offered to do it for me, but based on just seeing the roof racks and adjusting them myself, it seems like it would be fairly easy to do. I actually don't know about the "dampening" piece of rubber, so I will have to check mine and see. For all I know that dampening piece was added as a result of the issue lol.

When you're come I'd love to know if you experience similar issues.

I don't think there are any alternatives yet. But the roof racks you ordered, are they coming directly from VW?

 

[Evillen]

Exactly, at something like a 30 degree angle or something? Knot on both sides and latched the knot in the groove. Sits fine. And as I have a roofbox it just sits on top of the cord. But the noise doesn’t happen anyway when the box is installed, only when I drive with the bare bars

Have gotten the idea from a YouTube video someone posted, where they did exactly the same. Will try to find it back

I think I know what video you're referencing. I've looked for solutions although I haven't yet tried doing anything like that just yet.

Just to confirm, when you don't have a box you have the noise issue as well?

 

[JimmyVW]

I think I know what video you're referencing. I've looked for solutions although I haven't yet tried doing anything like that just yet.

Just to confirm, when you don't have a box you have the noise issue as well?

jup

 

[Evillen]

I believe they are pretty easy to remove and install. I didn't actually do mine since they offered to do it for me, but based on just seeing the roof racks and adjusting them myself, it seems like it would be fairly easy to do. I actually don't know about the "dampening" piece of rubber, so I will have to check mine and see. For all I know that dampening piece was added as a result of the issue lol.

When you're come I'd love to know if you experience similar issues.

I don't think there are any alternatives yet. But the roof racks you ordered, are they coming directly from VW?

I did check and my racks have a piece of rubber on the top that looks like it sits in a little crevice of sorts.

 

[RichV]

I experienced the same phenomenon with my OEM roof racks. To stop the wind noise, I installed a set of flat rack pads such as these:

Amazon.com

That stopped that annoying wind noise dead in in tracks. Just make sure you get the "flat" pads, not the "round" pads.

 

[daikon]

I believe they are pretty easy to remove and install. I didn't actually do mine since they offered to do it for me, but based on just seeing the roof racks and adjusting them myself, it seems like it would be fairly easy to do. I actually don't know about the "dampening" piece of rubber, so I will have to check mine and see. For all I know that dampening piece was added as a result of the issue lol.

When you're come I'd love to know if you experience similar issues.

I don't think there are any alternatives yet. But the roof racks you ordered, are they coming directly from VW?

Yes I got them from a VW dealership in CA.

So you guys are suggesting a sleeve to make the bars smooth all the way around? Where did you get this sleeve from? Does it impede the ability for attachments to securely fasten?

Thank you!

 

[DanM]

I would really recommend not leaving the roof racks on 100% of the time unless you're using them constantly. You're likely giving yourself a 10% or more range penalty even if they are empty.

https://www.metrompg.com/posts/roof-racks.htm

 

[Evillen]

Messed this up, ignore this.

 

[Evillen]

I would really recommend not leaving the roof racks on 100% of the time unless you're using them constantly. You're likely giving yourself a 10% or more range penalty even if they are empty.

https://www.metrompg.com/posts/roof-racks.htm

I've not noticed any range reduction issues and I've driven from NC to northern VA numerous times because my wife is in NOVA finishing up a 6 month clinical. In fact, if I were to keep at pace and run my battery dead (or close to it) based on the statistics, I'd be anywhere from 10-25miles above the EPA estimated range.

The way back from Richmond to NC seems to be the more difficult leg of the trip for range impact (160 miles total) when I get home, I still have 85-100 miles worth of range left.

Given my own anecdotes IMO it's just not worth the hassle of having to put them on/take then off frequently if the impact appears negligible at best.

It is worth noting that if the speed limit is 55, 60, or 65, I only generally go 2-3 mph over and and when it's 70, I go exactly it.

You can also buy a fairway that sits on the front and helps reduce drag if you're worried about it, although I don't know how much (if at all) that helps.[/QUOTE]

 

[Ryan760]

I have the SAME issue with my new ID4. Glad I found this forum. You’d think they would test these on the vehicles. At first it whistled before I put in the rubber cord. Now it hums so loud. Incredibly annoying and embarrassing when driving friends in my new quiet electric vehicle. I’ll try wrapping a cord around them but agree not worth taking them on/off.

 

[Evillen]

I have the SAME issue with my new ID4. Glad I found this forum. You’d think they would test these on the vehicles. At first it whistled before I put in the rubber cord. Now it hums so loud. Incredibly annoying and embarrassing when driving friends in my new quiet electric vehicle. I’ll try wrapping a cord around them but agree not worth taking them on/off.

I tried to ask the dealership to take a look at it, I don't think they ever did and I've been back 2 additional times asking them to look at it. I don't think they have and have always skirted around the question/ask. I'm about ready to just ask for my money back and they can have the racks back.

 

[PANZERidIV]

Mine is at exactly 38 mph. Roof top tent going on so hopefully that solves one problem….

 

[RichV]

Hi there,

When I purchased my ID.4 I also added roof racks that had to be shipped to the dealership and then put on as they weren't available at that time. Ever since I had them installed (the dealership did it) mine make a very annoying hum and vibrate at speeds between roughly 35-40mph (56-65kmh for our European friends). When I went in for my 30 day check-up, I mentioned this to them and nobody really made any comments about it and said they would look into it. When my car was done, the general manager told me that it was an issue that the VW engineers were aware of and were looking for a solution. They said they would let me know when they knew how to fix it. It has been probably 2.5-3 months since then and I haven't heard anything. Honestly I think they probably just forgot to let me know if there were any updates which is totally fine. I also haven't called them and asked so its also on me.

I have tried adjusting and moving them around myself and have been able to find a spot that minimizes it and makes it less annoying, but the issue still persists. For those that have an ID.4 and also have roof racks, is this a problem that you are having as well? If yes, have you been able to fix it and how? Did the dealer fix it for you or was it something you did on your own?

It is really just annoying and I'm at the point where I'm over the sound and if there isn't a solution, I am about ready to just ask if I can have my money back and get rid of the racks. I don't want to do that because I Like having them but the sound is driving me nuts.

Thanks in advance!

Had the same problem with my OEM roof racks. Here are 2 solutions, as previously mentioned by others in a similar thread:

Solution 1: wrap your crossbars with some type of nylon cord. See YT video:

Solution 2: Purchase a set of rack pads for around $30. Make sure they are the flat pads and not the round ones. These pads come in handy if you have to carry a surfboard or paddleboard.

Side note: the included rubber "stringer" fits into the top groove of your crossbars. They do not alleviate the vibration that you're experiencing. They are there simply to keep your rooftop cargo from rubbing against the aluminum cross bars.

 

[AWD Or Nothing]

I got the VW factory roof rails and solved my noise issues (testing with no accessories installed-- just the plain carrier bars) .

If you don't install the rubber strips into the tops of carrier bar channels they whistle like all hell, to the point that it is not tolerable.

If you install the rubber strips with the "bulb" side facing upwards such that they protrude from the top surface by a few mm, then you will get significant humming (or rumble), mostly noticeable in the 30-40 mph range.

Solution: Installed the rubber strips with the "bulb" downward, so that fits within the channel. The top surface will be mostly smooth. No more humming in the 30-40 mph range.

I haven't gone much faster than 50 mph with this setup yet to confirm higher speeds are sufficient quiet, but I'll update once I do.

 

[pheller]

So received enough of the rubber strip material to fill the channel on both bars?

Mine only came with one strip maybe 3’ long, seemingly intended to fill the margins on either side of a mounted accessory.

I fit my Thule sliding ski rack, which sits on small mounting blocks, leaving the channel beneath exposed (photos of the OEM one suggest it might be flush mounted). Some painters tape over the empty channel sufficed for my trip to the mountains last weekend, but need to find more of the rubber strip.