Upgrading Older Style Thule Sidearm to Fit Aero Style Crossbars

Published 07/02/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Rubber Leveling Gasket Clamp for Thule Sidearm Bike

(25)

$6.36

Replacement Tube Cap for Thule Hitch Bike Racks and Roof Mounted Bike Racks

(14)

$5.80

Replacement Metal Bracket for Thule Roof Mounted Carriers

(142)

$16.15

Replacement Clamp for Thule Sidearm TH594XT

(22)

$9.28

Replacement Bolt for Thule Sidearm TH594XT

(42)

$10.22

Question:

I own a 2015 Subaru Forester with the factory roof rack and Subaru crossbars. I also have a Thule 594XL bike rack. I just received the crossbars last night and can see that the back mount for the 594XL is not designed to work with the aero bar. It looks like this piece could be changed out with a different mount that would allow for use with the aero bar. In looking at the pictures I see two different mounting clamps - one narrow like I have and one that looks like it is designed to work with the aero bar. Is this clamp available as an additional accessory?

asked by: Thad T

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Thule and when I described your situation she said that it sounds like you have the older style Sidearm and need a few parts so that you could convert it to the newer style.

My contact provided me with the replacement parts you will need to adapt your Sidearm for use on your Subaru Outback. These parts are supplied with the current version, # TH594XT. You will need two knobs, part # 753-0783; one plastic spacer mount, part # 853-7441; one rubber leveling gasket, part # 853-7442; and two 6 x 80 carriage bolts, part # 915-068-054, Tube Cap # 853-1477-04 and metal bracket # 853-5513. These parts are shown on the attached Thule diagram as parts DD, EE, FF, GG, F and P. I included the part numbers for each on the diagram.

expert reply by: Jameson C