Replace broken Thule strap

[@chefles]

What model Thule Bike rack is that? I just bought the same style you have with the swing arm and trying to figure out some replacement parts.

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

It’s a Thule Trailblazer 998xt. I bought it around 2002 and it still works :-)

[@dannywebster1940]

Where did you end up getting the straps from i can't seem to find anyome that supplys them anymore. Everyone is out of stock.

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

Most recently, I bought them from eTrailer. But previously, I have also bought them from Thule. Search for "cradle strap assembly".

[@brentwoodward4092]

@@ExplainicatorStudios I just found them on Thule for $11.50 each and on Amazon for $11.50 to $17.70 for the whole piece like you show in the video; $12.05 on eTrailer. I found the rubber strap by itself for $8.99 on Amazon. Where did you find them for $5.00?

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

@@brentwoodward4092 I just pulled up my receipt from eTrailer and I paid less than $5 for each strap in Jan 2020 (part # 753-3535). I just checked and eTrailer now sells them for $17.66 each!! No idea how the price could change so much… bummer.

[@brentwoodward4092]

@@ExplainicatorStudios Hey, thanks for taking time to do that and respond - I really appreciate it. It dawned on me late last night that I had heard more than once during the pandemic that bike sales went through the roof and that demand was greater than supply and hence, prices went up. The same thing probably happened to parts and accessories. I suppose we can also blame the pandemic's impact on manufacturing and the labor force. Still amazing to think something so simple could carry that kind of price tag. I searched far and wide on the internet and ended up buying from bigdavesracks (666) on eBay. He charges $8.49 for 1 strap - rubber part only - and $7.81each if you buy more than 4. I decided to replace all 8 given half are already broken. My rack is 15 years old. I also took another approach to removing the cradles, which I will provide later as I want to tweak it to see if I can do it better.

[@ExplainicatorStudios]

@@brentwoodward4092 Glad you found them cheaper on eBay - I’d like to see your approach to getting them on the rack. My approach worked but it was a little awkward :-)

[@Random.Adventures.]

you are awesome thank you

[@Hurtfelder]

Just remove the rivet. Five seconds with a drill.

[@veevocker]

I had that same thought, Edward. Unfortunately, after doing so, you realize that the the rivet is what keeps the security cable from pulling all the way out of the support tube. Not the end of the world, obviously, but you’ll likely want to have another steel pop rivet for the 3/16” hole for reassembly. Tbh, I’m a little surprised that’s all that’s holding the cable in. Seems like a super easy way to bypass the security. Like Edward said, less than 3 seconds.

[@jerrybull5609]

Why bother stretching the old strap, just cut it off with a side cutters, simple

[@OCMOOMOMO]

Poor design by Thule. I am having the same issue.