Windnoise or Gap Between Luggage Carrier Side Rail Front Cover and Roof Sheet Metal (Secure Front SIde Rail Corners and/or Reposition Cross Bows)

Some customers may comment about wind noise coming from the roof or luggage carrier area when driving at highway speeds. Also comments may be received about a gap between the luggage carrier side rail front cover(s) and the roof sheet metal.

One or both of the following may cause the conditions:

Cause #1

The bolt attaching the luggage carrier side rail front corner (1) may be over tightened, causing the mounting surface to lift up leaving a gap (3) between it and the roof sheet metal (2). This can occur on either the left or right side rail front corner.

Cause #2

The luggage carrier front (2) and rear cross bows (1) are not positioned correctly when not in use.

Correction #1

1. Remove the plastic cover from the side rail front corner (2) and inspect the attaching bolt (1) for being overtightened. If the bolt is overtightened, it will appear to be partially recessed into the plastic mounting surface.
2. If this condition is found, remove the bolt and install a flat washer (3), P/N 120385 or equivalent, on the attaching bolt.
3. Install the bolt and washer.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 5 N·m (44 lb in).

Part number 120385 is a flat washer with an outside diameter of 14 mm (9/16 in), a hole diameter of 6.5 mm (1/4 in), and a thickness of 1.2 mm (3/64 in). If using an equivalent washer, be sure it has adequate corrosion protection.

Correction #2

Position the rear cross bow (1) at the very rear of the side rails as shown. Position the front cross bow (2) in the middle (3) of the second door (4) opening.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: