A $15 simple fix to Unnecessary Wind Noise

[scooby-snack]

I thought I'd share my simple DIY fix that I tried for my Model S. I noticed around 50 to 65 mph there was significant wind noise / turbulence at the top of my 12/18 Model S Windshield. I noticed looking at many other makes of cars they have a strip between the windshield and roof of the car. So I thought I thought I'd do something similar to see if it would make a difference.

Well I can say I noticed a significant reduction in wind noise. With this basic addition. If you guys try it let me know how it works for you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07QX4FXC3?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image

 

[glide]

Will this work on models with the sunroof? I’m assuming the front part of the roof where it meets the windshield is the same.

 

[Huachipato]

It might work even with the sunroof. I know there is a trim piece between the windshield and the sunroof, so this mod would not interfere with any moving parts.

 

[Congo Line]

I can’t tell from the picture where you applied it.

 

[Huachipato]

I can’t tell from the picture where you applied it.

The matte black trim piece that starts on the bottom right and goes to the top middle.

 

[JPoldo]

I can’t tell from the picture where you applied it.

I have the same problem and think we need better pictures, possibly from different angles and not going through windshield. Have you adding a molding using an adhesive? Procedure; tools required?

 

[kewlkim]

The matte black trim piece that starts on the bottom right and goes to the top middle.

More pictures would be much appreciated!

 

[Pinegreen]

I can’t tell from the picture where you applied it.

It looks like it was applied to the crack/seam where the top edge of the windshield meets the leading edge of the glass roof. You can see the steering wheel through the windshield on the left side in the pic. Looks like they are standing outside of the car on the driver side (next to the side mirror), and taking a pic going the width of the car.... if that makes sense

 

[lagomorph]

Makes sense, though I'd still love to see additional photos, particularly how the corners were handled.

 

[WASD]

click the amazon link, it's easy to see what/where it was applied in the pic.

 

[Merle]

Interesting, I'm down to try as it's only $15.

 

[eyedrop]

Any reports? Wind noise on Model S has always been bad.

 

[kylede]

I’m willing to try anything! This wind noise is crazy. Thanks for the post!

 

[beatle]

I ordered the seal and installed it last night. It's not a complicated install by any stretch, but it can be a bit finicky. The underside of the seal has a small rubber "keel" for lack of a better term. It is significantly smaller than the gap between the windshield and the roof, so it cannot be used to locate the seal, so it is more of a "free form" install.

I took a few pictures that I will post later.

Impressions are that it does help reduce wind noise a bit, but it doesn't make the car a bank vault. I did not have any whistling or obvious air rushing in around the windshield header, so perhaps I was attempting to solve a problem I did not have. That said, for $15 I think it is worth trying.

 

[am_dmd]

I ordered the seal and installed it last night. It's not a complicated install by any stretch, but it can be a bit finicky. The underside of the seal has a small rubber "keel" for lack of a better term. It is significantly smaller than the gap between the windshield and the roof, so it cannot be used to locate the seal, so it is more of a "free form" install.

I took a few pictures that I will post later.

Impressions are that it does help reduce wind noise a bit, but it doesn't make the car a bank vault. I did not have any whistling or obvious air rushing in around the windshield header, so perhaps I was attempting to solve a problem I did not have. That said, for $15 I think it is worth trying.

Does this deal have a sticky surface that you stick to windshield/glass roof? Or is it just mechanical retention?

 

[mrjinglesusa]

Does this deal have a sticky surface that you stick to windshield/glass roof? Or is it just mechanical retention?

If you look at the pictures in the Amazon link to the product, it has adhesive. Looks like you peel off the backing and apply.

 

[beatle]

The windshield glass and the windshield header meet like this and form a channel. There is a factory gasket, but some may say that is not enough to prevent wind noise (as seen from the driver's side):

It would be a good idea to clean both the glass and metal with alcohol to prep the surface. The underside of the seal has two 3M adhesive strips and a small "keel" in the middle:

However you can see the keel is significantly smaller than the channel:

Since there is so much wiggle room for the strip to lay in the channel, you may end up with a misaligned strip like this:

As long as you haven't pressed the strip onto the surface, you should be able to reposition it to make it look nice. I found it was better to do this in as long an arc as possible, but I'm still not perfect:

Still, most would not notice this unless you point it out. I think it helped the noise a a bit. Even after 500+ miles, the strip had no problem staying on car this at 70mph+ even in the rain.

 

[ICUDoc]

I wonder whether cutting the strip in half and using it to fill the defect would be prettier and more effective?
I will order the strip and try it out

 

[cookie99]

take a picture of this zoomed out please so i can see how ugly it is first

 

[Litigate28]

Just curious if anyone else tried this?