Difference Between 753357902 and 753-3579 Replacement Thule Ratchet Arms and Can I Lock Them

Question:

I see that there are several questions with answers referring to two different versions of this arm. Looking at the images, I see that they both have the hole for the thule key tumbler that would make it locking and yet they both LACK the tumbler itself. Does the non-locking version of this arm not have some internal component that accepts the thule tumbler? Its confusing seeing that tumbler hole on both item images but one is labeled locking and non-locking

asked by: Andres

Expert Reply:

The arm part # 753-3579 replaces the ratcheting arm on the older Thule T2 bike racks that are no longer available which are the following bike racks: TH916, TH916XT, TH917, and TH917XT. The original arms on those bike racks came with locks cylinders originally so they were considered "locking" arms.

However, the replacement arms do not come with a lock cylinder like the original bike rack did so you would need to use part # TH450200 as locks or use your old lock that came in the old arms. You can use your old lock by unlocking it with your existing key and using the Universal Change key part # 853-1251 to remove it then putting it in the new arm and locking it with the change key. You now have the old locks in your new replacement arm and can use your old key.

The Replacement Non-Locking Ratchet Arm Assembly is for Thule T2 bike racks TH9044, TH9045, and the 2 bike add-on TH9046. These versions do not come with locking arms which is why the replacement arm is considered "non-locking". However, the replacement arm can accept Thule lock cylinders part # TH450200 if you want them to lock or you can still use old locks if you have them. The title just says non-locking because the original bike rack it belongs to did not come with the locks.

expert reply by: Heather A