Hard top wind noise

[Harradm]

No, not for me. Mine sounds like a window is cracked just ever so slightly.

Just picked my Rubicon JL hard top up yesterday. I have that buffeting noise as well. I don’t mind wind noise at all but the buffeting is hard on the ears.

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[liquids]

The whistle mentioned above is a new variation in this thread. I can only relate my experience. I'm on my third (fourth?) windshield in my '08 JKU. (Stones kicked up from the road hit harder on our upright windshields.) Starting with the second one, I got whistling between 40 and 45 mph. It turns out it was from the gap surrounding the glass after it's inset into the frame on a JK. There's a TSB on exactly where and how to lay down the bead of sealant before installing the glass. Just a couple mm off and it'll whistle.

I don't know if the JL has the glass inset with a gap around it like the JK. If so, and some people are hearing a whistle at certain speeds, expect another TSB at some point.

 

[Dynomite1371]

I just installed the Hotheads headliner in my Rubicon along with Secondskin Audio Damplifier Pro & Luxury Liner Pro. Not only did it make my jeep much more quiet, but it improved the Alpine stock stereo a lot. The sub sounds like it should now instead of muddy. The hotheads is a very nice kit and only took about a hour to install all the pieces. On a side note the rear seat was a PIA to get out.

We needs some pics of the hot heads!

 

[Dynomite1371]

The whistle mentioned above is a new variation in this thread. I can only relate my experience. I'm on my third (fourth?) windshield in my '08 JKU. (Stones kicked up from the road hit harder on our upright windshields.) Starting with the second one, I got whistling between 40 and 45 mph. It turns out it was from the gap surrounding the glass after it's inset into the frame on a JK. There's a TSB on exactly where and how to lay down the bead of sealant before installing the glass. Just a couple mm off and it'll whistle.

I don't know if the JL has the glass inset with a gap around it like the JK. If so, and some people are hearing a whistle at certain speeds, expect another TSB at some point.

I had 5 windshield replacements in my JL. The whistle occurred twice. If the technicians didn't set that shield perfectly spaced the whistle occurred at 40 MPH. Cause the was no trim at all, you could have put that shield in a million different ways and it would look right. I think the new design will offer better guides/more TRIM, sight lines, etc. allowing the setting/placement easier.... (I learned about the old style and how important it was to set it properly from a tech that had to fix /replace one of my whistlers on the JK)

 

[cjsam2004]

As someone who's worked with sound for over 20 years, it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to get correct db readings using an app, unless everyone uses the same app running on the same smartphone, placed in the same spot, and the vehicle driven in the same conditions on the same road. Otherwise the results will be irrelevant. At highway speeds, there is also a lot of noise coming from the different tires, which would affect the results as well. Really interested how this issue pans out. Might have to hold off on the purchase for the time being, but hope it's a minor, easily corrected problem.

All valid points guys the intention was to take the average of few readings just to get a rough idea.

 

[JeepFan]

Thanks for being honest. I usually blast music on the freeways, I just mainly look for a stable ride and comfortable interior.

I own a 2017 Grand Cherokee and have driven a 2018 JLU Sahara. If your primary concern is a quiet, comfortable interior, and a stable ride, then the GC is definately the way to go.

 

[atxjlrubi]

We needs some pics of the hot heads!

I put some pictures of the Hotheads earlier in this thread.

 

[lookitsadam]

Has anyone made their own DIY headliners on a Jeep before? Hotheads look good but cost almost $500 for the top + sides. For 1/5th that price you could upholster some insulation board yourself and attach it.

 

[jakefalin]

I just installed the Hotheads headliner in my Rubicon along with Secondskin Audio Damplifier Pro & Luxury Liner Pro. Not only did it make my jeep much more quiet, but it improved the Alpine stock stereo a lot. The sub sounds like it should now instead of muddy. The hotheads is a very nice kit and only took about a hour to install all the pieces. On a side note the rear seat was a PIA to get out.

Any idea on the difference between the OEM headliner option and Hotheads?

 

[atxjlrubi]

Any idea on the difference between the OEM headliner option and Hotheads?

Sorry I have not see the OEM headliners. I purchased the Hotheads based on the reviews I saw from the JK owners who had purchased them in the past. They look real good in the jeep and fit well. I have not had a chance yet to test how well they keep out the heat and cold. I can feel that the hard top vibrates less with the stereo up then it did without.

 

[JeepFan]

Has anyone made their own DIY headliners on a Jeep before? Hotheads look good but cost almost $500 for the top + sides. For 1/5th that price you could upholster some insulation board yourself and attach it.

For my JK I made some out of anti-fatigue mats, like the kind intended for use on concrete floors. I cut them to the correct shape, and attached them with double-faced tape. Cheap and they seemed to work good.

For example: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gray-Anti-Fatigue-Mat-Common-4-ft-x-4-ft-Actual-49-21-in-x-49-21-in/3111467

 

[dave.j.fisher]

I don't even have my JL yet, I hope I don't have this whistle or buffeting, but I'm preparing to not be surprised if I do. Has anyone had any success in getting rid of it? If yes, what was the fix? Is the noise coming through the seal between the windshield and the top? I saw that you could potentially make some adjustments.

 

[ssiegler]

Does anyone else hear a whistling noise at highway speeds (65MPH-70MPH)? It is so annoying.

Not only do I hear what sounds like a window is slightly cracked open I am also hearing a high pitch whistling sound. As far as the "window cracked" sound, I can not tell if it is coming from where the driver door meets up with the roof or where the windshield does.

The whistling noise is really driving me crazy

 

[dasadab]

Does anyone else hear a whistling noise at highway speeds (65MPH-70MPH)? It is so annoying.

Not only do I hear what sounds like a window is slightly cracked open I am also hearing a high pitch whistling sound. As far as the "window cracked" sound, I can not tell if it is coming from where the driver door meets up with the roof or where the windshield does.

The whistling noise is really driving me crazy

I heard it on two JLs that I test drove at a local dealer. Maybe a disqualifier for me as a prospective purchaser.

 

[ricku]

I have ordered a 2dr JL Rubicon with the hardtop. This thread really scares me. I have no noise issues with my current JK Willys.
What's going on, JEEP ? I'm sure the JL's went through wind tunnel testing. Perhaps something is screwed up on the assembly line ?

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