Alternatives to VW to fix my rusted bike rack clamps?

[RobertCalifornia]

So after 4 years my VW bike rack clamps have rusted and no longer grip effectively (lesson learned for the future). I've looked at the advice on the forum and tried using the penetrating spray to loosen it but to no effect.

I'm not that good at things like this, so think I need to get someone who know what they are doing to sort it out for me. I called my local VW dealer and they have booked me in - but only for late July, and are going to charge me £138 just to look at it (and more if it is not covered under the factory extended warranty, which I doubt it is).

I'm guessing your average local garage wouldn't be able to help with this sort of thing - any ideas for finding people who can fix this for me to avoid being gouged by VW?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Probably work out cheaper to get a ‘new’ 2nd hand rack.

Then remove the clamps from the old one and sell it as a luggage rack.

 

[Louis II]

Slightly better description and a picture and I’m pretty sure you’ll get at least one viable solution froM the combined wisdom of the forum!
Definitely not the kind of job I would want to have done at a main dealer

 

[FivetonesCali]

I have a similar problem on my Thule wanderway rack. I can’t imagine this is a rare occurrence given the design. I’ve soaked once with WD40.

Thread 'Problems screwing/unscrewing clamps'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/problems-screwing-unscrewing-clamps.40271/

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I have a similar problem on my Thule wanderway rack. I can’t imagine this is a rare occurrence given the design. I’ve soaked once with WD40.

Thread 'Problems screwing/unscrewing clamps'
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/problems-screwing-unscrewing-clamps.40271/

Putting copper grease on the threads works well, keeps it lubricated.

 

[FivetonesCali]

That’ll happen once I’ve freed things up.