Fixing the Spinning SpeedKnob on Yakima Ridgeback

Updated 09/14/2020 | Published 09/12/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack for 4 Bikes - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - Tilting

(233)

$478.95

Replacement SpeedKnob and Wedge Assembly for Yakima Bike Racks

(212)

$30.50

Question:

I just installed a new 2in Yakima Ridgback on my Mazda CX-5. I tightened the red knob to secure the rack and just realized I needed to move the rack forward a bit. However, now The red knob appears to be free spinning in place. I can lock the rack and the knob is secure and when I unlock the rack the knob is free spinning. I can’t pull or remove the rack off of the hitch. I have seen other people have had similar issues with Ridgeback Y02458 and suggestion that trying to push/pull while turning the knob may work but haven’t had any luck thus far. Could you please help.

asked by: Ali

Expert Reply:

The Yakima RidgeBack 4 Bike Rack # Y02458 has a SpeedKnob at the bottom that is designed to spin freely when it's locked and have the friction needed to loosen/tighten the bike rack when it's unlocked. It sounds like the opposite is happening to you and sometimes it's just a case of the lock not lining up with the Knob.

I see you've tried push/pull while turning. Sometimes I find luck with wiggling the key around to get it synced up. Or trying to rotate the knob while inserting the key. Or wiggling the whole rack while wiggling the key.

If those methods don't work, the SpeedKnob # 8880508 is an easy part to replace. I attached a video of the Replacement SpeedKnob so you can see how it works by itself.

expert reply by: Evangeline M