Troubleshooting Thule Spare Me Bike Rack Knob that Spins without Engaging

Updated 09/10/2024 | Published 03/24/2017

Question:

I have unlocked the knob but it will not tighten or loosen, its very loose right now and wont tighten anymore. I cant take it off either to look at it because it wont loosen at all either. Idk what to do

asked by: Kobi

Expert Reply:

If the knob of the Thule Spare Me part # TH963PRO will spin without tightening or loosening that means the lock mechanism is engaged and it needs to be unlock so that the knob engages the threads and will loosen.

Try different key positions on the knob # 753-1908-04 to see if you can get it to engage properly.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Seb P.

9/7/2024

I have the lock position clearly in unlocked position but when trying to unlock the knob to release my bike, the knob is clicking (just like it clicks at the end of locking it). This means it actually doesn't engage the mechanisme. The result is that I can not remove my bike from it :-( Your urgent help would be greatly appreciated...

Jameson C.

9/8/2024

@SebP Was it working fine at one point and then stopped or is the rack new to you and this is first time dealing with the lock?

Sebp

9/9/2024

@JamesonC It has been working fine for about 18 months… As I needed to get my bike off the rack and off the car, I finally needed to destroy it (I was « lucky » that the barrel as such was working fine and could take it out with the special key). I must admit this somehow ruins my confidence in the system. What if this occurs just before an event or on holidays?

Jameson C.

9/9/2024

@Sebp Yeah that's an understandable anxiety to have. Whats really frustrating is that we aren't able to get the replacement knob anymore so we can't help replace it.