Roof mounted carriers

[blindswelledrat]

Anyone know about these?
I have fitted some to my car but they make a hell of a racket. Almost a banging noise that makes you think something is badly wrong.
When I get out and check, though, everything seems just fine. Completely secure and seemingly no problems.

Have other people noticed a god awfull racket from these or is something wrong?

[longblackcoat]

Depends on the make of the carrier and the positioning of the roof bars on which it's mounted (i.e. how far forward you have them). Obviously the aerodynamics of the car play a part as well.

In general though you shouldn't be getting banging type noises, though whistling noises are the norm.

I hate roof-mounted ones - the noise always puts me off - so I use a towbar-mounted one which is much better, doesn't affect the MPG, and you can drive as fast as you like without thinking that the bikes are about to come tumbling off.

[blindswelledrat]

Hmmm. A whistling noise I would have expected.
I got it from halfords and they dont do rear mounted ones that fit my car.
I cant get my haed around it because I cant see any part of it that should be hitting any other part to procuce this noise that sounds almost like something hitting the roof (although it cant possibly be)

I could live with the noise as it isnt often, it just makes me uncomfortable that it is not safe and when I hit motorways the bikes could simply fly off causing carnage.

[longblackcoat]

Are there retaining straps? If there are then perhaps the loose ends are flapping around and banging against the car roof?

[TedMaul]

longblackcoat said:

Are there retaining straps? If there are then perhaps the loose ends are flapping around and banging against the car roof?

An apparently innocent looking loose strap makes a lot of noise at 60mph

ETA As per other thread, Thule stuff isn't cheap but very good quality. Had mine 10 years and still going strong.

Edited by TedMaul on Thursday 21st May 12:21

[chrisga]

Hi,

We bought some cheap roof bike carriers from ebay and the first couple of times in use they were fine. However we noticed a bit of scrathcing on the frame downtube where they were being clamped up, so the next time out we put a bit of cloth round the frame to stop them getting any more damaged and clamped them up tight. When we set off there were clunking noises all over the hop. I think the frame clamp would move up the frame and clunk.

So it could be the clamp moving on the bike.

[Dickster]

I have some Volvo bars and bike carrier on my Skoda (they fit so I kept them) and don't have any banging noises. I prefer roof ones as it free up the boot still and I don't have to worry about number plates n stuff.

Are your bars and rails secured correctly? Maybe get someone to sit in the car while you "wobble" the carrier to see if you can narrow it down?

[blindswelledrat]

Dickster said:

I have some Volvo bars and bike carrier on my Skoda (they fit so I kept them) and don't have any banging noises. I prefer roof ones as it free up the boot still and I don't have to worry about number plates n stuff.

Are your bars and rails secured correctly? Maybe get someone to sit in the car while you "wobble" the carrier to see if you can narrow it down?

Its bizarre really. THis is a Volvo Im talking about.
Ive tried to narrow it down and cannot. It only happens once you get to about 15 mph and hit a bumps. Hence you cant be outside the car at that speed and narrow it down, and you cant rock the car enough (or in the right way) stationary to make it happen
Over 60 it doesnt seem to matter because you tend to be on somooth roads at that speed.

[Dickster]

What Volvo is it? I had a 2008 V50 that had a recall about the roof rails which had been fitted with incorrect bolts?

Dunno really but maybe it's the bars or rails instead? Maybe some of the rubber has worn away on the bar feet?

[Marcellus]

I know it sounds daft and stating the bleedin obvious but watch out for;
> low bridges
> height restrictions
> Tunnels
> car parks
> gateways


I didn't and it was a costly forget!!

I still rate roof bars though... but use the ones which clamp the front fork with a quick release skewer and strap the rear wheel down... feels 100% secure and agree you shouldn't get a knocking...

I did get a funny knocking noise when I use the ski rack on the back of the Landie and it's caused by the mounting bolts not being to the correct torque might it be the same for you?

[Mars]

I've got one of those roof mounted ones which positions the bike upside down and clamps both sides of the handlebars and the seat. 3-mounting points. The bike doesn't move about at all like that although the wind-noise is quite pronounced.

[bramley]

I use the Thule 591 and rate it. Easy to use, bike goes straight on so no need to dismantle. Wobbles a bit but is well made and locks the bike to the carrier, and the carrier to the roof bars, which in turn lock to my roof rails. Survived a spirited drive on my ATR when I forgot it was on the roof.

[ratbane]

Don't try this.

I used to have a Mk2 RS2000. To get my bike (Sun GT10XL!) from South Wales to Portsmouth, I put roof bars on, and tied the bike flat to the roof.

Exciting drive! Was near to take-off on several occasions.