Hard top wind noise

[maranom232]

Interesting response from the Jeep Care rep. I just drove 2 different 2019 JL's and both have the same wind noise issue as the ones I drove in Jan of 2018. One was so loud that I could actually feel the air flowing into the Jeep at the top of the windshield seam. The sales person was non plussed when I pointed this flaw out to them. They commented, "its a Jeep, what do you expect". I replied, that for nearly $50k I expect better!

Yes, seems like clearly a growing issue out there. Jeep is replacing my driver's side freedom panel this week, and replacing the whole head/windshield seal. I will report back to to this forum thread once i get my jeep back and have it for a few days under different driving conditions.

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[maranom232]

Wow. I have the headliners too, and mine is loud like no other vehicle. At 60+ it's like you have a window cracked. It doesn't bother me and it sounds like it's normal from what I've read, but it does surprise my passengers who are thinking a window must be down. If yours is as quiet as a pickup, maybe it's time to look into why mine isn't.

I have the same exact issue on my 2018 Jeep Sahara JLU. Jeep just replaced windshield header seal, and drivers side freedom panel and the noise still persists, albeit to a lesser degree.

 

[Jackal]

Finally think I got the wind crackling noise solved!!!
Driving this last week the noise was driving me nuts, so I took the time to lean in close while driving at highway speeds, listening to where noise is. Determined source of my driverside crackle noise seemed to come from the door around where the side mirror is. Looking through FCAs documentation, they mention the flag piece (black triangle plastic trim piece). I removed it (by the way two different spring clamps, the top one could possibly fall inside door, mine did) and slightly bent the flag piece so that it sat more flush with the driver door. Since then, no more crackle!

Seguerski many thanks, this was one of my issues. I loose the top clip, but i think it doesnt hold the flag. I did the same plus a small joint of black urethane on the vertical edge, no more noise from the flags.
Also the dealer will change my door seal, its not seating properly between the two hinges. I think when i got the new seal in place then i will be able to remove my ear plugs...

 

[Sting_NC_USA]

This is how I fixed mine. After removing the "flag" on my driver door, I applied Some 5/16 x 1/4 inch "D-Profile" self stick weather sealant (see images below). 100% of the air leak was gone immediately after doing this. You can see how I applied the weather sealant.

I did have to retrieve the clip from inside the door which only involved 4 screws and fishing the clip out of the bottom of the door with an extended magnet wand.

Very simple mod. Kudos to @seguerski for resurrecting the service manual page.

PS: I did bend the hell out of the top section to ensure it sat as close to the window frame and window as possible.

 

[Jackal]

Finally think I got the wind crackling noise solved!!!
Driving this last week the noise was driving me nuts, so I took the time to lean in close while driving at highway speeds, listening to where noise is. Determined source of my driverside crackle noise seemed to come from the door around where the side mirror is. Looking through FCAs documentation, they mention the flag piece (black triangle plastic trim piece). I removed it (by the way two different spring clamps, the top one could possibly fall inside door, mine did) and slightly bent the flag piece so that it sat more flush with the driver door. Since then, no more crackle!

Ok i manage to retreive the flag clip by sweeping a strong magnet outside the door close to the joint (doors are in aluminium) and get it out by the door water drain, 2minutes job. Holes are covered with a flexible tape. No need to remove anything.

 

[steffen707]

@Bu3askoor , I agree with your findings as I seem to be getting more noticeable noise around the top front corner of my driver's door at this point. Not sure what goes into FCA's QA checks with doors, but it seems the top of the door on driver-side isn't as inset as the passenger front door is. I'm going into dealer on Thursday, so I'll find out their appetite for re-aligning that door or if it's just better to add some foam reinforcements around the top/leading edge of door.

Are you guys talking about the wind "buffeting/helicopering" noise?

I just test drove a 2019 JL Rubicon today. This was my first Jeep test drive. Noticed some wind noise when it blew a lot, no biggie, but I like instantly noticed this buffeting/helicopter like sound in my ear drums. It wasn't super loud, but same noise if somebody cracked a rear window in a car without any front window cracked.

Would really like to figure this out before I drop some coin on a Wrangler. Does this buffeting problem only happen with the hardtop?

 

[steffen707]

I have cut down some noise using 3/4" foam backer rod material, found in the insulation section of Menards. I placed it along the inside edge of the window where it meets the support post, tucking it into any crevice that would possibly allow air flow. The material comes in gray or black.

and did this work, @muskynut

 

[sost1sg]

Are you guys talking about the wind "buffeting/helicopering" noise?

I just test drove a 2019 JL Rubicon today. This was my first Jeep test drive. Noticed some wind noise when it blew a lot, no biggie, but I like instantly noticed this buffeting/helicopter like sound in my ear drums. It wasn't super loud, but same noise if somebody cracked a rear window in a car without any front window cracked.

Would really like to figure this out before I drop some coin on a Wrangler. Does this buffeting problem only happen with the hardtop?

I have a JLUR (hardtop) with now 18k miles. I have a ~100 mile daily round trip commute so I clearly drive it a lot. I’ve never experienced what you’re describing. Could be something as simple as an improperly seated freedom panel or maybe a defective top?

 

[steffen707]

I have a JLUR (hardtop) with now 18k miles. I have a ~100 mile daily round trip commute so I clearly drive it a lot. I’ve never experienced what you’re describing. Could be something as simple as an improperly seated freedom panel or maybe a defective top?

Alright, I'll have to test drive a few more to see if I hear that same thing.

 

[cnyjl]

I've got the buffeting noise, but it's not there all the time and when it is only at interstate speeds. Haven't done anything to try to minimize it as I only put the hard top on for the winter and the average 10' of snow we get. I actually get less wind noise from my soft top.

 

[steffen707]

I've got the buffeting noise, but it's not there all the time and when it is only at interstate speeds. Haven't done anything to try to minimize it as I only put the hard top on for the winter and the average 10' of snow we get. I actually get less wind noise from my soft top.

I was wondering if this was the case. Maybe I'll just get a soft top and be done with it.

 

[brewdad]

Are you guys talking about the wind "buffeting/helicopering" noise?

I just test drove a 2019 JL Rubicon today. This was my first Jeep test drive. Noticed some wind noise when it blew a lot, no biggie, but I like instantly noticed this buffeting/helicopter like sound in my ear drums. It wasn't super loud, but same noise if somebody cracked a rear window in a car without any front window cracked.

Would really like to figure this out before I drop some coin on a Wrangler. Does this buffeting problem only happen with the hardtop?

All three 2018 Sahara hardtops I test drove last year had the awful buffeting vibrations at speeds between 20-45 mph, but stopped at highway speeds; the soft top I drove had no buffeting noise; if I decide on a JL I plan to get the one-touch power top.

 

[jaldeborgh]

I just installed my soft top, took delivery of my JLUR in March 2018. I have the 2 top option. I did a 2 hour highway trip and the noise level with the soft top is much greater above about 40mph. At 70mph+ I would consider it very loud.

I have zero buffeting with either top, at any speed up to 75 with the soft top, the fastest I’ve driven with the soft top. I’m a first time Wrangler owner, the top swap took about an hour with 2 people. I had watched the Quadratec YouTube video, which really helped, so I’m not sure I’d save much time next season.

Now all I need is some warm weather to enjoy the soft top.

 

[steffen707]

I have zero buffeting with either top, at any speed up to 75 with the soft top, the fastest I’ve driven with the soft top.

You're lucky.

 

[wrc777]

All three 2018 Sahara hardtops I test drove last year had the awful buffeting vibrations at speeds between 20-45 mph, but stopped at highway speeds; the soft top I drove had no buffeting noise; if I decide on a JL I plan to get the one-touch power top.

Our Rubicon is that way too but I get used to the buffeting after driving it a couple times. If I am not in it for a couple of weeks I notice it again the next time I get in it.

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