Lacking Windshield Moldings

[CashSeeAO]

I am on a quest to reduce the wind noise on my 2023 XLT. From the factory, the truck does not have any kind of rubber moldings around the windshield and the back window. Besides the added wind noise, the truck looks unfinished. I am sure this is another Ford cost saving feature. Anyone addressed this issue with a DIY solution? I am considering taking it to a glass shop and let them add some aftermarket moldings.
Thanks for weighing in.

Sponsored

 

[RangerBill]

I am on a quest to reduce the wind noise on my 2023 XLT. From the factory, the truck does not have any kind of rubber moldings around the windshield and the back window. Besides the added wind noise, the truck looks unfinished. I am sure this is another Ford cost saving feature. Anyone addressed this issue with a DIY solution? I am considering taking it to a glass shop and let them add some aftermarket moldings.
Thanks for weighing in.

There is no visible gasket around the rear window. The windshield and rear window are installed using adhesive without a gasket. Yours looks like my window.

 

[ScarzRanger21(2.0)]

Not just Ford, most modern cars don’t have any trim around the windshield or back window. They’re glued directly to the frame. Aside from that, you could probably just buy a few feet of generic rubber window trim from an auto store and DIY a strip across the top.

Couple things to consider though:
1) User tests show that added weather strips between the windshield and roof panel provide almost no improvement for reducing wind noise.
2) Added rubber strips can block water from draining around the windshield as designed, eventually causing rust if left unchecked.

 

[CashSeeAO]

Not just Ford, most modern cars don’t have any trim around the windshield or back window. They’re glued directly to the frame. Aside from that, you could probably just buy a few feet of generic rubber window trim from an auto store and DIY a strip across the top.

Couple things to consider though:
1) User tests show that added weather strips between the windshield and roof panel provide almost no improvement for reducing wind noise.
2) Added rubber strips can block water from draining around the windshield as designed, eventually causing rust if left unchecked.

You made some good points. I do plan to use the tape method to confirm whether wind noise can be reduced with some sort of rubber strips. Thanks.

 

[got3fords]

What wind noise?

 

[CashSeeAO]

What wind noise?

Potential wind noise from the gaps around the windshield glass and the body. See picture from the original post.

 

[RangerBill]

Potential wind noise from the gaps around the windshield glass and the body. See picture from the original post.

If you have wind noise from the windshield, I think that you would be having water leaks in the cab. Are you hearing wind noise or only potential wind noise? I occasionally have wind noise at the driver door, but usually in a cross wind. I don't hear noise at the windshield or rear window, so the lack of a gasket in those areas is not an issue.

 

[Grumpaw]

Potential wind noise from the gaps around the windshield glass and the body. See picture from the original post.

Not trying to be an arse.....but your first post said wind noise.....your last post said "potential" wind noise ???????
Had my Ranger for 4 years and yes, I heard wind noise...when the windows were down !!!
Windows up I heard road noise from tires or noise from ac....
It's a truck....it is going to be noisy.......I have an Expedition now, and it is QUIET.....and it does NOT have any window trim...it is just like the Ranger.
So....you want quiet....get an Expedition !!!!

 

[CashSeeAO]

If you have wind noise from the windshield, I think that you would be having water leaks in the cab. Are you hearing wind noise or only potential wind noise? I occasionally have wind noise at the driver door, but usually in a cross wind. I don't hear noise at the windshield or rear window, so the lack of a gasket in those areas is not an issue.

There is wind noise in general (any vehicle has wind noise). I don’t know if the windshield and the back window contribute to the overall wind noise. Using a tape test will confirm whether there is an issue. Any reduction in the overall noise is a win. My current obsession is audio sound quality so I am trying to make the cabin as quiet as possible.

 

[CashSeeAO]

Not trying to be an arse.....but your first post said wind noise.....your last post said "potential" wind noise ???????
Had my Ranger for 4 years and yes, I heard wind noise...when the windows were down !!!
Windows up I heard road noise from tires or noise from ac....
It's a truck....it is going to be noisy.......I have an Expedition now, and it is QUIET.....and it does NOT have any window trim...it is just like the Ranger.
So....you want quiet....get an Expedition !!!!

It’s potential wind noise. Thank you for your recommendation.

 

[RangerBill]

There is wind noise in general (any vehicle has wind noise). I don’t know if the windshield and the back window contribute to the overall wind noise. Using a tape test will confirm whether there is an issue. Any reduction in the overall noise is a win. My current obsession is audio sound quality so I am trying to make the cabin as quiet as possible.

My 2019 Ranger has SoundScreen glass in the windshield to reduce road and wind noise. I don't know if Ford eliminated that in later years.
https://www.carlex.com/automotive-replacement-glass/products/sound-screen/

 

[ScarzRanger21(2.0)]

If it’s bothering you that badly, the best solution I can think of is to pull the interior door panels off to add some sound-deadening insulation behind them. Maybe the floor under the carpet too. That seems like a lot of work though and who knows much it’ll actually deaden the sound. When you say wind noise, do you mean a whistling sound or just noise in general?

Just searching around online, this is what I found: tire roar—especially from stock all-terrain options—contributes significantly more noticeable cabin sound at highway speeds than exterior wind

 

[CashSeeAO]

If it’s bothering you that badly, the best solution I can think of is to pull the interior door panels off to add some sound-deadening insulation behind them. Maybe the floor under the carpet too. That seems like a lot of work though and who knows much it’ll actually deaden the sound. When you say wind noise, do you mean a whistling sound or just noise in general?

Just searching around online, this is what I found: tire roar—especially from stock all-terrain options—contributes significantly more noticeable cabin sound at highway speeds than exterior wind

Thanks for your input. Reduction in general wind noise is what I am after. I already treated most of the truck interior (all doors, back wall, roof) with sound deadening mats and absorption materials. The truck is fairly quiet already, but I am just trying to squeeze additional improvements from other areas. Good point about tires. Perhaps that’s what I should tackle next.

 

[got3fords]

Potential wind noise from the gaps around the windshield glass and the body. See picture from the original post.

What I meant was, I didn't notice any wind noise on my trimless windshield.

 

[veedubtuner]

Best way to fix wind noise, actual or potential.

Sponsored