How Does Locking Mechanism of Thule Spare Me Lock Work

Updated 10/06/2025 | Published 11/16/2022

Question:

Hello, I need access to my spare tire but I can’t seem to unlock the lock. Can’t you let me know know how to do it. Thanks

asked by: Muhammad

Expert Reply:

Here's how the locking knob mechanism of the Thule Spare Me 2 part # TH963PRO works. You will need to turn the key of the knob counter clockwise till you can remove it (unlocked) and then the knob will actually engage with the bolt head and thread off of the spare like you are wanting it to. If the knob is locked basically the knob just free spins and won't come off.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jaylolee

10/4/2025

So will the Locking Knob only work if the bike rack is on the back of the car? I have used this knob to keep my tire locked on the back of my car. I just realized whether the knob is locked or unlocked it still unscrews out of the mounting plate. Thule has sent me a new one in the past. Same results. New knob makes no difference. Honda CRV EX 2002 is the vehicle. Thanks!

Jameson C.

10/6/2025

@Jaylolee The locking mechanism should still work if the rack is installed or if it is not. If you tighten the knob pretty good and then lock the mechanism does it still allow you to unthread the knob? I'm wondering if maybe you didn't have the knob very tight so it was still able to grab lightly and turn the threads.