Tips for Replacing a Cradle on a Thule Vertex Bike Rack

Updated 09/27/2017 | Published 09/26/2017

Question:

One of the hold fast cradles move when bikes are loaded and Im driving on the highway. Is is easy to replace it with a replacement hold fast cradle, and do I need any special tools. Are instructions included ?

asked by: Glenn

Helpful Expert Reply:

Changing out a bike rack cradle is very simple and straight forward. With that said there are no instructions included but I can explain the process for you.

On your Thule Vertex bike rack check the end caps at the ends of the arms. On the bottoms of them you will either see a screw or a rivet holding the end caps on. If there is a screw remove it, pull off the end cap, and remove the old cradle # 852-3005-002. You may have to twist it back and forth while pulling on it if it gets stuck.

If you see a rivet the rivet will have to be drilled out (and replaced with a screw obtained locally) and then you would follow the procedure outlined above.

When putting on the new cradle it can be quite stiff. One of the tricks of the trade is to spray some hairspray on the bike rack arm and even in the cradle's hole. The hairspray will at first be slippery but will become tacky once it starts to dry. When it is slippery you can move the cradle into position easier and when it gets tacky it will help hold the cradle in place.

expert reply by: Michael H