Thule Sidearm Parts for Compatibility with Subaru Factory Roof Rack

Question:

Hello, Hoping for some assistance.... I have a 2010 Subaru Impreza with the factory cross bars. I also have Thule Sidearm not the new XT model but the original. I have obtained the necessary parts to mount it to my rear cross bar clamp, rubber gasket, bolts, nuts, etc however I am having trouble getting the front baseplate secured to the front crossbar. I thought I might be able to use the same parts that I used to mount the rear however the clamp/rubber gasket seem just a bit too long. The baseplate I have measures roughly 5inch by 5 3/4. I found on your website that the newer XT Sidearm uses a baseplate with dimensions of 5 3/4inch by 5 3/4. Is there a solution for me to get my legacy Sidearm mounted to my 2010 Subaru Impreza using any spare parts or would I possibly need the newer baseplate from the XT Sidearm? I can provide photos if necessary. Thanks!

asked by: Travis D

Expert Reply:

For your 2010 Subaru factory crossbar, you can upgrade your Sidearm Mounting hardware to fit that rear rail. The front rail should work with the current hardware, but the upgraded hardware should work with both bars if that is what you are mentioning. Unfortunately even the newer model of the Sidearm you are referring to is discontinued so the other parts are not available.

If the rear hardware works for the front even though it is long, it may be the best option. You will need two knobs, part # 753-0783; one plastic spacer mount, part # 853-7441; one rubber leveling gasket, part # 853-7442; and two 6 x 80 carriage bolts, part # 915-068-054. These parts are shown on the attached Thule diagram as parts DD, EE, FF and GG. I included the part numbers for each on the diagram.

expert reply by: Jason S