Roof bars..... dissapointed...

chrisnic

Member
I installed my genuine Audi A2 roof bars today and no matter how much adjustment I made, it was not possible to get the front clamps to sit close enough to the roof to prevent the tops of the doors from not sealing flush..... is this a common problem, or have I miss understood the instructions...!!!
The rear bar sits closer to the roof and both are lined up with the indentations on the top of the door openings...

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You could just sell them to me and be done with them, haha!

Sorry I do t know enough about these to comment but very jealous, as these are something I’d use a lot for 2 bikes.

You know someone more knowledgeable will be along shortly.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
When I have my Thule bars fitted they lift the rubber where the bar clamps on but doesn't affect the rest. Looks like yours is slightly ajar all along. Have you mounted the feet in the correct location? There's marks in the top of the door frame for where they go.
 
I installed my genuine Audi A2 roof bars today and no matter how much adjustment I made, it was not possible to get the front clamps to sit close enough to the roof to prevent the tops of the doors from not sealing flush..... is this a common problem, or have I miss understood the instructions...!!!
The rear bar sits closer to the roof and both are lined up with the indentations on the top of the door openings...

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Have you got the clamps too far inside the door frame by any chance?
 
I only just received a set of genuine bars from eBay. Not fitted the yet but it's hard to see that they won't disturb that seal at least a bit.

I'll just fit mine when I need them as I've fitted a Thule canoe holder and I don't want to be driving around with that on top ruining my fuel economy :)
 
Have you got the clamps too far inside the door frame by any chance?
There is a ridge in the door frame metalwork so the fronts cannot move nearer to the roofline.... I would say trimming 2mm off would cure it, but I’m reluctant to Cut/grind as they are new....
 
Seems like you have put the clamps way to far inside in a odd angle.

Nevertheless not a problem though as the car remain water tight, and windnoise will it be in any case. Not exactly aerodynamical these racks..

Also be prepared that the rubber will scratch the paint when you clamp them down
 
Here’s mine if this helps mine stay on don’t leak and I get no whistle noise there very faint indents on the car to show you where to fit
 

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I m also interested to buy roof bars... So far i only found "universal", not made especially for A2... Is it difficult to get the Audi you have Nee ? I also have the open sky.
 
Seems like you have put the clamps way to far inside in a odd angle.

Nevertheless not a problem though as the car remain water tight, and windnoise will it be in any case. Not exactly aerodynamical these racks..

Also be prepared that the rubber will scratch the paint when you clamp them down
Mine came with clear stickers to protect the paint under the base of the bars....
 
I m also interested to buy roof bars... So far i only found "universal", not made especially for A2... Is it difficult to get the Audi you have Nee ? I also have the open sky.

mine are genuine A2 bars fit fine to add there is a left and right side aswell
 
Hmm, that's a good idea, I've not fitted my secondhand roof bars yet but I might try and source some protective stickers first.

I guess helicopter tape would do the trick?
 
I don't have roof bars, but I have memories of earlier threads where owners have complained that over time the clear stickers get damaged and then fall off, taking the paint underneath with them.
 
Just a heads up on this post I’ve just removed my bars which have been on my car for around 12 months permanently and it’s kind of like shadowed my paint work...you can certainly see the marks ??
 
The seal indicated in the photo is not the main seal that keeps water and everything else; that is further inboard with a much larger cross section. If the top of your door is letting in water, maybe the angle of the glazed top half of your door needs adjusting?

RAB
 
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