Squeaks & creaks in roof racks and other aux equipment

[TGF]

Adding my Hi-Lift jack to my roof rack not only creates some rattle from the jack (better after two dampeners and a cover), but also seems to unbalance my rack a little and lead to some squeaking and creaking. I checked on tightness and that seemed okay. I was thinking of adding some silicone grease or something like that?

On a related note, do you ever add anything to your door/window seals to increase water tightness? I was thinking a bit of silicone might make sense there too.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[ChasingOurTrunks]

The symphony of a dirt road is pretty common! But I do like addressing those issues as they come up.

Squeaks and rattles means something is moving when it probably shouldn't and that can damage equipment. I think you are on the right track - - make sure everything is tight.

If it is, then a bit of grease will help. I'd advice against a silicone grease or anything else that is wet -- that will attract dirt and grime and any minor movements will become grinding movements that will eat into finished and metal and promote rust. Use a dry lube like Teflon Lube on stuff like that is my suggestion.

A hi lift isn't very heavy, though, so I'm surprised to hear it makes the rack unbalanced. What else do you have up there?

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[TGF]

If it is, then a bit of grease will help. I'd advice against a silicone grease or anything else that is wet -- that will attract dirt and grime and any minor movements will become grinding movements that will eat into finished and metal and promote rust. Use a dry lube like Teflon Lube on stuff like that is my suggestion.

A hi lift isn't very heavy, though, so I'm surprised to hear it makes the rack unbalanced. What else do you have up there?

Dry lubricant seems obvious. Now that you've said it, that is. ;) Thanks Jack.

I have a shovel in a couple of quickfists on that same side and lights up front and in the back. Overall, it's really not much, so maybe the reason is different.

 

[ChasingOurTrunks]

Ha! It's obvious to me too once I spent a few hours repainting parts of my Gobi after a season ;)

What rack do you have and in what rig, and how's it mounted? Mounts do sometimes fail or weaken over time.

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[TGF]

Nothing like learning by experience. It's a pretty new Voyager rack - so no issues there, but the rain gutter fitment on the Disco II may lend to some noise.

 

[ChasingOurTrunks]

Nice rig! I always get a bit sad when I see pristine Rovers around town. They are some of the most capable and pedigree-ridden rigs available so it's good to see you are using yours as it's meant to be used!

The rain gutter mounts can sometimes collect enough junk that works it's way into the gutter and the rack mounts. Occasionally this can be the source of a squeak or a rattle.

I would suggest going out and shaking the rack side to side and back to front to see if you can isolate it further. I just had to do this on my tire carrier and as it happened, the tire carrier latch appears to have stretched a bit over the past 100,000 kms and that was the reason for the squeaking and rattling. Tightened it up again and everything is fine.

It might also be where the rack itself attaches to the mounts, if there's any play there, but they are also tight, a bit of lube should do it.

Other than that you've done all I would do. I hope you get it sorted!

 

[TGF]

Thanks Jack. This one's just getting started on it's adventures, but I do plan to use it!

It might also be where the rack itself attaches to the mounts, if there's any play there, but they are also tight, a bit of lube should do it.

I think this is likely it. The lube is on order.

 

[bajatacoguy]

Add rubber washers & lock tight.


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#3533

 

[TGF]

Thanks. Another avenue to explore.