How to Remove End Cap from Thule Vertex Bike Rack to Replace Cradle
Updated 08/12/2026 | Published 08/10/2019
Question:
Having a hard time removing the cap at the end of the bike rack arm in order to replace the Thule Vertex bike cradle. I have the vertex 4 bike swing away bike rack. replacing a cradle. The end cap does not appear to have a screw. I thought I read that it would either have a Philips head screw or I might have to drill out a rivet. But there does not appear to be a rivet either. Drill bit can just go right through the hole about an inch. Maybe there was supposed to be a screw in there or was at some point? See photo. Either way, what can I do to remove this cap at the end? Should it just be able to be pulled off? It seems very much fixed in place. Thanks
asked by: Todd H
Expert Reply:
You would need to remove that rivet, which is what you have shown in your photo. To remove it, find a drill bit small enough to insert through the center hole. Then use the next size up. you should only need to drill in less than a quarter of an inch to remove enough of the rivet to free the cap. Remove the remainder of the rivet from inside the tube, replace your # 852-3005-002 cradle and reinstall the cap. You'll need a pop rivet gun, which you can pick up fairly reasonably from a local hardware store or online.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Vertex Bike Racks - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Rack
- Cradle and Arm Parts
- Cradles
- Vertex
- Thule
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Vertex Bike Racks - Qty 1
- Shop: Replacement T2 Cradle Body for Thule Bike Carriers
- Search Results: thule~expressway
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Vertex Bike Racks
- Video: Review of Thule Replacement Angled Extension for Anti Sway Cradles - 852-3108-001
- Q&A: How to Remove the Angled Extension for Anti-Sway Cage on Thule Apex, Helium Aero or Vertex Bike Rack
- Search Results: bike rack cradle
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Replacement Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Archway and Apex Bike Racks
- Video: Thule Hitch Bike Racks 852-3037-001 Review
- Shop: Replacement Round Tube End Cap for Thule Trunk Bike Racks
- Shop: Replacement Endcap Screw for Thule Endcap 853-1477-04
- Shop: Replacement Angled Extension for Anti-Sway Cradles on Thule Apex and Vertex Bike Racks - Qty 1
- Q&A: Replacement Cradles for Thule Hitching Post 4-Bike Rack
- Q&A: How to Install the Thule Replacement Strap 753-3535 for Hanging Bike Racks
- Q&A: Replacement Cradle And Strap Assembly For Thule Expressway 996
- Q&A: Thule T3 Cradle # 853-5829 and Strap # 753-3535 Recommendation for a Thule Expressway 996 Rack
- Shop: Replacement Anti-Sway and Standard Cradles for Hollywood Racks Hanging Bike Rack - 1-1/4" Arms
- Shop: Replacement Rubber Strap for Thule T2 Bike Carrier Cradles
- Video: Review of Thule Replacement Button Head Screw T2 Pro Platform Bike Rack - 853597604
- Video: Hands-On with the Replacement Side End Cap for Thule Hitching Post Pro Bike Racks
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Replacement T2 Cradle Body for Thule Bike Carriers
- Q&A: Replacement Hitch Lock For Thule Expressway 996XT Bike Rack
- Q&A: Looking for Replacement End Cap and Hold Fast Cradle for Thule Vertex Bike Rack 9029XT
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Accessories and Parts
George I.
8/12/2026
I am trying to remove the end cap from my Thule bike rack I unscrewed the 2 screws, but the end cap seems pretty firmly in place.