Cradles On Thule Helium Aero Bike Rack Slide Back and Forth

Question:

Had this bike rack for a few years and just noticed that the rubber pads on the arms are migrating towards the restraint boots at the edge of each arm. I pushed the rubber pads back in place but they migrated again..worried theyre going to dislodge the restraint boot and bike will fly off. I tighten the heck out of the tensioner till its solid in the hitch, but seems theres a lot of natural play in the post/tensioner joint. The bolt seems sturdy. In the picture, you can see the rubberpads have migrated almost all the way to the boot restraint. Not sure if this supposed to be a lot of play in that joint? But Im pretty sure thats allowing the bikes to jiggle more than they should which is causing the pads to migrate.

asked by: Ilan S

Expert Reply:

The cradles on your Thule Helium Aero Bike Rack are designed to slide back and forth but with a bit of force as well as help from a lubricant. If they are sliding back and forth without force or lubricant then there is an issue. Most likely, the rubber has just become too worn and stretched which is then allowing it to move back and forth freely. I spoke with Thule and they said if you replace the Replacement Cradle Overmold part # 852-3003-001 that should then help hold the cradle in place but this is the only replacement part available for the cradle assembly.

Please let me know if the overmold does not help with your issue.

expert reply by: Conner L