How to Install Rubber Strips Into Thule WingBar Evo T-Slots

Updated 01/07/2025 | Published 01/05/2025

Question:

Hi, I have a thule wingbar edge flush mount rack on my car 2015 Audi A3. I need replacement rubber strips - I tried part numbers 54242 and 52989 and neither fit. Do you have the correct replacement pls? Part number for my bars are 721520. Thule lists 54242 as the correct part but the triangles are facing the middle of the strip, not facing the front edge as they do in the photos and even the parts diagram. Thanks

asked by: Genya

Expert Reply:

Hey Genya, thanks for reaching out and giving me all of the details!

The correct replacement strip for the Thule WingBar Edge Roof Rack # TH86RG on your 2015 Audi A3 is the Kit # 1500052989, which is just 2 sets of the 54242 that you found on the Thule site.

I know you said these didn't fit, but hear me out; Thule ships these strips out as one piece but you'll actually need to pull the 2 separate pieces apart and then install them individually into the T-Slot channel on your crossbars. This is why the arrows were facing the wrong way when you tried to initially install the strip.

I'm not sure why Thule ships it out that way other than maybe they're trying to protect the part of the rubber that secures into the T-Slot, but it is a little annoying and throws people off all the time. I remember just staring at it when I first had to install one of them, but luckily I had someone with experience next to me who knew to pull the strip apart.

After pulling the rubber pieces apart you just need to press the strips into position in the T-Slot. This isn't difficult but it does take patience and you need to install the "non-arrow" side first.

I'm attaching a clip from the Thule crossbar instructions that highlights this for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G