Troubleshooting Yakima Sparetime Bike Rack with Frozen Locking Knob

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Question:

I am trying to remove my Yakima Sparetime rack from my 12 Jeep Wrangler. I have had this on and off several times, but this time, the red locking knob only turns but does not loosen. It is unlocked, and should be engaging, but is not coming off. Ive sprayed a solvent behind the knob with the assumption that the threads may be rusted by now. Any thoughts? Im getting rid of this rack as it does not suit my needs and I am replacing it with a hitch mount rack if I can ever find one that allows me to open the rear door of my Jeep and clears the spare tire....

asked by: John S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Usually the locking knobs on racks will also require you to push (or pull) on them while turning to get them to engage with the internal release mechanism that loosens the rack. If the lock mechanism rusted/corroded while in the locked position it may not engage properly even if you turn the key to the "unlocked" position.

Applying a spray lubricant like WD40 or PB Blaster as you did is a good effort; sometimes these products can take a while to work. Often multiple applications are needed, with time in between for the lubricant to work. If you have the patience you can keep trying that method to see if it can dissolve whatever corrosion is inside the lock.

If this fails your only option is to drill out the lock and replace the mechanism with # 8890239 along with a new lock core # Y07202.

For a 2-bike hanging style hitch rack with great features you might consider the Curt # C18085. This rack is lightweight, handles two 45-lb bikes suspended by their wheels and offers close to a foot of clearance from the hitch pin hole. It works on both cars and on RVs and has 4-inches of rise in the shank for better ground clearance. With it you can use hitch lock # 63232 to lock the rack and cable lock # e98891 to secure the bikes.

We also have swing-away type racks that can give better access to the vehicle when you're transporting bikes, all shown on the linked page. One example is the Yakima FullSwing 4 Bike Rack # Y02465 which provides 15-inches of clearance between its hitch pin hole and the vertical mast.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

I spoke with Yakima about removing the SpeedKnob on the Yakima RidgeBack Bike Rack and she stated that you need to just use more force since the threads are likely stripped. The other option which would not require excessive force would be to take…

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Answer 2

The Stromberg Carlson RV Exterior Ladder w/ Hinges - Aluminum - 99-1/2" Tall x 12" Wide is a universal ladder; we have several customers that have used this setup on their Arctic Wolf travel trailer. For silver use #LA-401 and for…

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Answer 3

The Yakima Tube Top Bike Adapter Bar, #Y02531, does not have a locking feature. It will remain at the length you set it to and will not extend or retract because it will be clamped around the seat and handle bars posts on a bike. I recommend a…

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Answer 4

The knob on the Ridgeback #Y02458 turns freely when it is locked. First make sure that it is unlocked. If it is or if it still will not turn you pay have to pull back or push in on the knob while turning it at the same time so there is enough…

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Answer 5

The Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Carrier #Y02599 has a locking knob that when in the LOCKED position spins freely in both directions and should make no noise at all. If yours if making a clicking sound when you try to turn it to the left to remove the…

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Answer 6

There isn't any type of special removal available for a stuck Yakima lock core, as it sounds like you tried the only remedy that we generally suggest, which is a lubricant. Otherwise, the only way to remove it really is by having it drilled…

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Answer 7

Since the lock number of your hitch lock is only listed on the side of the lock core, and yours is locked and therefore not accessible, the only solution is to replace what you have with a new hitch bolt and lock. For that you'd need part…

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Answer 8

If you look at the provided diagram, you can see the replacement parts that Yakima offers for your Ridgeback Bike Rack. If what you're needing isn't shown, please let me know what you're needing. Zip strips #Y8890297 Endcap #8890306…

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Answer 9

The Yakima SpareRide 2 Bike Rack #Y02599 will be removed in the same manner it was installed. As you can see by the cut out of the linked directions I added you can see that it uses a mounting bracket and tongue. You'll need to remove the locking…

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Answer 10

The Yakima HoldUp bike carrier #Y02443-2 does come with a locking hitch pin that also acts as an anti-rattle device. It also comes with cable locks. All of he locks will use the same key and can be changed out to match locks on other Yakima…

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Answer 11

The Yakima HoldUp you mentioned, part #Y02443 uses an anti-rattle threaded hitch pin as you can see in the photo I provided. The hitch pin can be locked, thus securing the rack to the hitch using the optional Hitch Lock, part #Y07235. You can see…

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Answer 12

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Troubleshooting Yakima Sparetime Bike Rack with Frozen Locking Knob

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