How to Remove Red Caps From Yakima DoubleDown for Cradle Replacement

Updated 08/08/2024 | Published 07/31/2024

Question:

Hi I have a Yakima Double Down 3 place bike rack for which the cradle rubber nubs are fractured. I see that you have spare cradles but before I order 3 sets, I have to figure out a couple of things and could use your advice. First, because the cradles migrated when I first began using the rack when highway driving, I eventually used duct tape to create a ridge that prevented them from migrating. Any suggestions for how to remove the tape from the arms would really be appreciated? Second - How does one remove the red end pieces on the arms and also the metal rod for attaching the lock, from the end of the rods so that I can remove the broken cradles and replace with new ones? Thank you! Bill

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Hi Bill; the red end pieces will either have a screw underneath or can be removed with force by working them back and forth until they come off. I'm not sure what the metal rod is you're referring to so I can't help there. If you want to email me a picture I can find out how to remove that as well so you can install the # Y8890177.

I'm assuming you mean there is sticky residue from the arms leftover from the tape. Something like Goo Gone or another adhesive remover should do the trick to get that off of your rack.

expert reply by: Robin H

William M.

8/1/2024

Thanks I’ll work on getting the end pieces off and try the goo remover. The metal piece is the short piece that goes through the end of the bar to which the pullout wire lock that is part of the bike rack, attaches.

Bill

8/8/2024

Hi Robin Using the bike rack so have been Waiting for the replacement parts to arrive before disassembling. Will get back to you with results and perhaps questions. Appreciate your assistance Bill