Resolved --> Audi Q5 Crossbar Wind Noise
06-24-2012, 02:46 AM
#31
Has anyone tried these?
http://www.yakima.com/learn/whispbar/
Expensive but they certainly do look a lot more low profile than the factory bars.
http://www.yakima.com/learn/whispbar/
Expensive but they certainly do look a lot more low profile than the factory bars.
06-28-2012, 01:15 PM
#32
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The other problem with the Q5 crossbar is that you can't adjust the space between the bars. I need to adjust the space because of my snowboard bindings.
I'm considering grinding off the four prongs off the back crossbar that insert in the side rails. This will allow the back crossbar to be adjustable.
I'm considering grinding off the four prongs off the back crossbar that insert in the side rails. This will allow the back crossbar to be adjustable.
I also wish I could adjust the width of the crossbars as I cannot mount 4 snowboards on top of the Q5 (Thule racks). Bindings are too big and I almost scratched the pano roof trying to slam them on.
Last edited by boltsfan; 06-29-2012 at 06:06 AM.
06-28-2012, 07:48 PM
#33
AudiWorld Member
Just installed the Thule patterned strips and took for a quick spin on the f'way - up to around 70mph - amazing difference - much quieter! Just a bit of wind rustle from around the towers which has been exposed by the cross bar noise being essentially eliminated. Very pleased - but; Audi engineers, why Thule and not you?
Last edited by rez; 10-29-2012 at 06:43 PM.
06-29-2012, 11:31 AM
#34
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Hello good people - forgive me if the question has been asked before but wanted to find out if you have seen any deterioration of mpg after installing the cross bars. I'm aware that the car senses there is an additional 200 lbs load and adjusts the handling accordingly. But curious if the mileage is noticeably affected if the cross bars are installed.
07-01-2012, 09:16 PM
#35
Thanks Techm8n. Can't wait to order mine.
07-02-2012, 05:07 AM
#36
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I leave my crossbars on because I haul my bikes around once a week or so and I'm too lazy to take them off. I haven't noticed any appreciable difference in MPG. I average 24-26 MPG (mix of city and highway), regardless of if the crossbars are on or not.
07-02-2012, 05:19 AM
#37
AudiWorld Senior Member
Add another to the list of confirmation that this works. Installed this weekend and there is a MAJOR reduction in wind noise (and a nice side benefit, they are easier to install than the OEM strips). Thanks Techm8n!
-tgt
-tgt
07-08-2012, 11:06 AM
#38
It's possible many Q5's have been already delivered with Thule patterned WindDiffuser strips. I picked up my Q5 in March 2009, but didn't unwrap the bars until May 2009, at which time I noticed a small end piece was cracked. My dealer then ordered under warranty a whole new replacement bar kit. My original bars had come with smooth strips, but the replacement bar kit arrived with patterned strips identical to your pictures of the Thule WindDiffuser strips. So it appears Thule has supplied WindDiffuser type strips to Audi since at least mid-2009, but who knows how many smooth strips were already in production inventory.
08-10-2012, 06:24 AM
#39
AudiWorld Member
I was wondering what these rubber gaskets were in my stowage tray. I just purchase an '09 Q5 and I found these rubber strips similar to these and I couldn't figure out what they for. I'll have to go home and see if they fit the cross bars.
Thanks for the info!!
Thanks for the info!!
10-29-2012, 04:30 AM
#40
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I love the look of the rack but HATE the noise!! I can't believe we can drive a $50k audi and they couldn't have thought of this $14 fix themselves! I just ordered my patterned rubber strips. Can't wait to instal!
Now if only someone could fix the rattling noise coming from somewhere in the back when I go over a bump...
Now if only someone could fix the rattling noise coming from somewhere in the back when I go over a bump...