Common Problems With Subaru Outback Roof Rack (Solved)
Subaru Outback is a popular vehicle among outdoor enthusiasts due to its impressive capabilities and versatile features. One of the key features that make the Outback a popular choice is its roof rack. The roof rack provides ample space for carrying equipment and luggage, making it an ideal choice for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
However, like any other vehicle accessory, the roof rack on the Subaru Outback can experience some problems. These problems can range from minor issues such as loose hardware to more serious issues like cracks or leaks. In this article, we will explore some of the most common problems with Subaru Outback roof racks and discuss how to address them to ensure safe and efficient use of the roof rack.
1. Lack Of An Adequate Gap Between The Top Roof And Roof Rack
One of the most common problems with Subaru Outback roof racks is a lack of adequate gap between the top roof and the roof rack. This can cause several issues, including damage to the roof and wind noise while driving. If the roof rack is improperly installed or the gap between the roof and the roof rack is too small, it can cause the roof to buckle or warp under the weight of the cargo, leading to permanent damage.
To address this issue, it is important to ensure that the roof rack is installed correctly and that there is an adequate gap between the roof and the roof rack. Subaru Outback owners can check their owner’s manual or consult a professional installer to ensure that the roof rack is installed correctly.
Additionally, using a rubber gasket or foam padding between the roof and the roof rack can help to create a buffer and prevent damage to the roof. Finally, it is important to avoid overloading the roof rack and to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly to prevent damage to the roof or the roof rack.
2. Subaru Roof Rack Failure When Overloaded
Another common problem with Subaru Outback roof racks is failure when overloaded. The roof rack is designed to support a certain weight capacity, and exceeding this capacity can cause the roof rack to fail, leading to damage to the vehicle and potential safety hazards.
To prevent roof rack failure, it is important to check the weight capacity of the roof rack and to avoid exceeding it. Additionally, it is important to distribute the weight of the cargo evenly to prevent stress on any one area of the roof rack. Overloading the roof rack can cause the mounting points to loosen or even detach, leading to potential damage to the vehicle and other drivers on the road.
Regularly inspecting the roof rack for any signs of damage or wear and tear can also help to prevent roof rack failure. Any signs of cracks, bends, or other damage should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards.
Overloading the Subaru Outback roof rack can cause it to fail, leading to damage to the vehicle and potential safety hazards. It is important to regularly inspect the roof rack, distribute weight evenly, and avoid exceeding the weight capacity of the roof rack to prevent any issues.
3. The Roof Rack Not Clamping On The Rack System
Another common problem with Subaru Outback roof racks is the roof rack not clamping onto the rack system properly. This can cause the roof rack to become loose, leading to potential safety hazards while driving. The issue can be caused by several factors, including loose hardware, misalignment of the rack system, or damage to the roof rack or the rack system.
To address this issue, it is important to inspect the roof rack and the rack system for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Tightening any loose hardware can also help to ensure that the roof rack is properly secured to the rack system.
If the issue persists, it may be necessary to adjust the alignment of the rack system or the roof rack. This can be done by following the instructions in the owner’s manual or consulting a professional installer.
Regularly inspecting the roof rack and the rack system for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and addressing any issues immediately, can help to prevent the roof rack from becoming loose and potentially causing safety hazards while driving.
4. Subaru Outback Roof Rack Noise
Another common problem with Subaru Outback roof racks is noise while driving. This can be caused by wind resistance or vibrations between the roof rack and the roof of the vehicle. While this may not pose a direct safety hazard, it can be quite annoying and distracting for the driver and passengers.
To address this issue, it is important to ensure that the roof rack is properly installed and tightened. If the roof rack is not installed correctly or there is an inadequate gap between the roof and the roof rack, it can cause wind noise while driving.
Using rubber gaskets or foam padding between the roof and the roof rack can also help to reduce noise caused by vibrations between the roof rack and the roof of the vehicle.
In some cases, installing a wind deflector or fairing can also help to reduce wind resistance and noise while driving.
Regularly inspecting the roof rack and the mounting points for any signs of wear and tear can also help to prevent noise caused by loose hardware or damage to the roof rack or the roof of the vehicle.
Overall, addressing any issues with the installation or alignment of the roof rack, using rubber gaskets or foam padding, and installing a wind deflector or fairing can help to reduce noise caused by the roof rack while driving.
Tips On How To Prevent Subaru Roof Rack Noise
Here are some tips to prevent Subaru roof rack noise while driving:
Proper installation
Ensure that the roof rack is properly installed and tightened. Check the owner’s manual for instructions on how to install the roof rack correctly.
Adequate gap
Make sure that there is an adequate gap between the roof of the vehicle and the roof rack. This can be achieved by using rubber gaskets or foam padding between the roof and the roof rack.
Wind deflector or fairing
Installing a wind deflector or fairing can help to reduce wind resistance and noise while driving. This can be especially helpful for larger items on the roof rack.
Load distribution
Distribute the weight of the cargo evenly on the roof rack to prevent stress on any one area. This can help to reduce vibrations and noise while driving.
Regular inspections
Regularly inspect the roof rack and the mounting points for any signs of wear and tear. Loose hardware or damage to the roof rack or the roof of the vehicle can cause noise while driving.
Is A Roof Rack A Must Have In My Subaru Outback?
Whether or not a roof rack is a must-have in your Subaru Outback depends on your specific needs and preferences. A roof rack can be a useful accessory for carrying extra cargo, such as bikes, skis, kayaks, or luggage, especially if you have a large family or enjoy outdoor activities.
However, if you don’t frequently transport bulky items or don’t need to maximize your cargo space, a roof rack may not be necessary for your Subaru Outback.
It is important to keep in mind that a roof rack can add extra weight to your vehicle, which can affect fuel economy and handling. Additionally, if not installed or used properly, a roof rack can cause safety hazards, such as wind resistance, noise, or even roof rack failure.
Before deciding to install a roof rack on your Subaru Outback, it is important to consider your needs, the weight capacity of your vehicle, and the potential risks and benefits of using a roof rack. You may also want to consult the owner’s manual or a professional installer for guidance.
