Wind Noise with Malone Air Flow 2

Updated 07/16/2026 | Published 07/12/2026

Question:

I recently bought the Malone AirFlow 2 for my Acura 2008 MDX. I discovered that by installing it pointy end to the front that it is MUCH quieter than bulbous end to the front. Yes, even with the rubber sealing strip installed and bits of tape over the little openings. For some aerodynamic reason on my car they just screamed going over 40 MPH, but turned around they have a fraction of the sound, totally acceptable., It appears to me that this would not impact the strength or utility of the crossbars. Is there any structural reason I cannot use them installed this way, pointy end to the front?

asked by: Carlos A

Expert Reply:

Hey Carlos,

Thank you for your question.

I did reach out to Malone, and they confirmed that there is not any issue with mounting # MPG216 with the pointed edge facing forward. This will not compromise the structural integrity or weight capacity of the crossbars.

They did seem surprised as they said the first recommendation they give for folks that are experiencing excessive wind noise is to ensure they have the crossbars installed with the rounded edge facing the front of the vehicle.

You can certainly leave these as you have them installed currently, but I'm also going to include a few additional tips that Malone gave me to help folks dealing with excessive wind noise:

- Make sure that both the top & bottom slots on the crossbars have the rubber strips installed in the full slot. There should be no sections of the slot left open (including bottom Slot that extends past the Towers).
- Make sure all (4) end caps are fully inserted in the open ends of the crossbars.
- If they have already checked the things listed above, we would suggest positioning the front crossbar slightly further back on the raised rails on the roof of the vehicle. Re-positioning the front Crossbar slightly further back on the roof of the vehicle can also help to reduce the amount of whistle/wind noise created by any Crossbar System.

What sort of items are you carrying on your Malone crossbars?

expert reply by: Christopher H

Carlos A.

7/14/2026

Thanks for the reply. I also heard the same from Malone customer service. I know it’s weird, but this really makes a huge difference, so I’ll keep them this way. I am not hauling anything yet, but want flat bats to replace the gently arch bars, that came on my car, so I can occasionally haul lumber. I need that maybe three times a year for light construction stuff around the house, and stuffing 8’ pieces in my car is no fun. Carlos

Christopher H.

7/15/2026

@CarlosA I have also attempted to haul lumber with a smaller car so I understand the struggle there. Just happy to hear to you were able to figure out a way to cut down on the wind noise. Let us know if you need anything else.

John

7/16/2026

Good price. Work well. I take them on and off so I bought a long handle hex wrench. Much better. Use the rack on Forester and Tucson.

Christopher H.

7/16/2026

@John Glad to hear that the # MPG216 are working well for you. I'm sure the long handled wrench makes install and removal much easier. What sort of items are you using your crossbars for usually?

James A.

7/16/2026

Mine are much quieter with the narrow up front. They are not being used as airfoils so this position shouldn't matter.