What is the Purpose of M6 Screws for Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack

Question:

What is the purpose of the two M6 screws? Page 4, # 1 on the instructions The pdf instructions are not very clear, and I actually installed the rack without noticing that I had to attach the two screws, so added them after the fact. Can anyone confirm if these are needed, since my rack seemed to install and work okay without them initially? What do they do?

asked by: Andrew

Helpful Expert Reply:

When you receive the Thule Apex XT 4 Bike Rack # TH9025XT the shank is folded up against the main mast of the rack. Those two M6 x 25 mm screws are what help to keep the shank from folding up like that again. They are more or less a security measure to help keep the bike rack from coming into contact with your vehicle so yes, you will want to install them even though you can technically use the bike rack without installing them.

expert reply by: Jon G