VW Bike rack rust

[tomsetter]

Hi Everyone,
I have the genuine 4 bike carrier on the back of my van, I live close to the seaside, which I know will increase the speed of rust. I bought the rack in Autumn 2020 and the 1st, 2nd & 3rd arms have all now got significant rust on the screw. This means when I go to attach a bike they are very hard to loosen /tighten, and invariably the locking nut at the top flies off and I have to get a step ladder out to sort. Does anyone know the best place to get these replaced, I don't need the whole thing I just need the handle at the bottom and the metal arm with the screw. I have tried to remove rust with various things but nothing appears to work. From what I can see replacement costs are very high (just the 3rd arm on this site's shop is £117.99) - seems crazy with a 2.5 yr lifespan..? I've also read about copper grease, would that work? any advice much appreciated.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi Everyone,
I have the genuine 4 bike carrier on the back of my van, I live close to the seaside, which I know will increase the speed of rust. I bought the rack in Autumn 2020 and the 1st, 2nd & 3rd arms have all now got significant rust on the screw. This means when I go to attach a bike they are very hard to loosen /tighten, and invariably the locking nut at the top flies off and I have to get a step ladder out to sort. Does anyone know the best place to get these replaced, I don't need the whole thing I just need the handle at the bottom and the metal arm with the screw. I have tried to remove rust with various things but nothing appears to work. From what I can see replacement costs are very high (just the 3rd arm on this site's shop is £117.99) - seems crazy with a 2.5 yr lifespan..? I've also read about copper grease, would that work? any advice much appreciated.


View attachment 110288

ACF 50, liberally applied.

 

[RockinNRollin]

ACF50 would work, not sure how long it would last on the threads though as it's going to be "scoured" by the nut running up and down it. If using ACF50 I'd mask off the "grips" as it's a lubricant (not necessarily by design) as well as corrosion inhibitor, so it'll be harder to grip bike frames with.

 

[Camperfamily]

I have ACF50 on the non-threaded section, grease on the threads. No issues after 4 years

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Copper grease; Dip the ends in the pot, then spread the excess over the threads with an old cloth, then screw the knob back on. 11 years old and still works as it should.

 

[Littlesoldier]

Mines exactly the same. 2 of the 3 arms just spin as the thread has rusted away. My van is only 2.5 yrs old as well. It's in next week to be repaired under warranty but I'm going to make sure that they note the 3rd arm is likely to go faulty also.
Very dissapointed for such an expensive genuine accessory!

 

[RobertCalifornia]

I have had the same issue. Tried various ways to loosen the handwheel but to no avail! I was given the contact for the company that imports Thule bike racks into the UK (it is a Thule rack with a VW badge) and when I spoke to the guy there he advised to remove the arms (which detach much easily than I anticipated) rather than keep them on the van permanently. I have ordered a new set of arms from the Club shop and will keep them inside.

 

[The Tall Luthier]

Brake dust remover is quite good at getting rid of rust. Old schoolers like using vinegar overnight, not too pleased with those results myself.

Then in your sea salt air conditions a good barrier product, acf50 or lots of grease.