Roof Bar Thule issue

[slamka33]

Hi,
bought Thule roof bar (WingBar), with Thule 753 Rapid System foots and found a quite interesting "bug" or issue..

After first usage of these foots of bars, I found out that a small "U" spring which is in Thule 753 for releasing pressure of holding point to the bar (to easy move it in and out of the bar) is cracked, all four of them, on each foot.
I went to the Thule shop, they gave me a new set of Thule 753 foots under warranty, no problem.

Last week I have roof bars mounted on the roof (first time with new set of foots, carried one bike, nothing else), today I put them down. All "U" springs cracked again, same point of cracking, two of them fall down from the foot during unscrewing foot...

I think these "U" springs has no "real" needs in the Thule foots, no impact on safety, its purpose is just to slide in and slide out foots easily from the bar.
I am confused now that after two usages of foots I broke two sets of "U" springs and will have to go to shop again.

I am using moment screwdriver for mounting foot on the roof (6Nm for one screw per foot, 4Nm for 2 screws per foot), so no overtightening of screws possible.

Has anybody these kind of problems, similar experience?
I have Leon ST.. Thule 753 is universal part, you buy only foot fitting for your car exactly.

 

[neil_f225]

I've got the same setup and had no issues.

 

[slamka33]

I have made pictures of it.

U springs - all of them cracked on the same place.

Foot - U spring is located in the red circle. Aim of this U spring is to release the pressure of the mounting point (movable Y inside foot - right to the red circle) to the bar when unscrewed, to move foot inside bar nicely. Easily said, to return this Y on the right side of the circle to the position when Y is not pressing bar downwards.

Like I said, I use moment screwdriver, so no overtigthening possible.

2neil: Do you have foot with this U spring or without? When I was in Thule for warranty exchange, they told me there was no U spring before and I do not have to panic that this U spring is missing now...

 

[neil_f225]

I don't recall seeing any spring like that on mine.

 

[concerned cat]

No, not seen those on mine. Maybe a packing insert?

 

[slamka33]

Both of you do not have these Usprings in circled area of the foot?
Thule shop told me it is a "new feature" of these foots. It is already inside the space shown on the figure.

When foot is screwed, bar is pressed down with movable Y, so it holds in possition.
When unscrewed, this Uspring release (or move up) this Y and bar is easily movable on the roof when just "partly screwed", or foot can be easily slided out from the bar when unscrewed completely...

So it seems I really do not have to panic..
But my Thule shop is curious about fitting to my roof, they never seen this before. Will go there with Leon this friday and they will test third set of foots...

 

[slamka33]

So? No more information about this issue?

Thule shop surprised again that this happened, tested mounting to the roof, no breaking.
It seems it break during carrying something on the roof (when more forces are there, not just mounting). We made an agreement that for next use I will come to mount it in front of them, use it and finally put it down from the roof in front of them again.

 

[slamka33]

I have contacted Thule, explained them in e-mail what happened. Today they called me - they KNOW about this issue!! They recommended to go to shop again to change it again, I asked them to give a phonecall to the shop in advance so I will not be there like a stupid guy again with broken U springs...

I checked Thule www - today they are not selling this kit to Seat Leon ST! They are offering only closed solution Thule 9594, not opened racks 961 with kit 753 which they sold me!!

So curios what will be next - if they will exchange my 961 with 753 for closed solution 9594 or give me my money back....

 

[timbishop_1]

Hi,

This is my first ever post so please be gentle.

I have been reading this thread with some interest as I have exactly the same problem as slamka33. I have a Seat Leon ST FR 2015 and purchased the same Thule WingBar 961, Thule Rapid System 753 & Kit 4015.

Upon first use two of the U Spring's as described above cracked and fell out, I had the footpack replaced and again on first use two of the U Springs cracked and fell out.

The shop I bought them from have contacted Thule who are saying they are not aware of any issues for the Leon ST.

Slamka33, it would be really helpful if you post your e-mail from Thule so I could refer them to it and hopefully get the roofrack replaced.

It would also be intersting to know if / how your issue has been resolved?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[slamka33]

First of all, I am quite happy I am not alone with this crazy problem. I already though I am not able to mount Thule on the roof correctly..

Secondly - I have no official statement or reply from Thule. I contacted them via www.thule.com and their contact form. They called me back and provide superfast information (2min call) - they know about this issue and shop will exchange my foots again. I asked them to call to shop in advance, Thule agreed and told me they will inform me again that everything is agreed with shop as well, but since that time, NO CONTACT!

Then I leaved for vacation (still no contact, I have my mobile with me on vacation as well)..
This is the first think I will solve when I will be back, next week. I will push it again! I am not happy with this stupid "bug playing" solution!!
I am ready to write to highest positions in Thule about my issue!

 

[timbishop_1]

Thanks for the reply Slamka33.

I have also contacted Thule through the website last week but i've not received a reply as yet.

The shop I bought the roofrack from have been in contact with Thule who have said they are not aware of the problem but will be sending (the shop) a replacement 753 footpack for me to exchange.

I am really reluctant to accept this as I am convinced I will have the same issue.

I will let you know if/when I hear back from Thule.

Cheers

 

[Major Tom]

Refer to this thread when talking to Thule! I'm interested in the same set of roof rack if they solve your problems in a good way.

 

[slamka33]

Today received a new set of 753 foots (third ones), will see after first usage if U-springs brakes or not.

 

[Dean Bufton]

Bit of a thread revival but I'm keen to hear if this issue was ever resolved by Thule? Hoping the original poster will update the thread.

 

[ben4012]

The springs serve no purpose.

I set up a brand new, box fresh setup on my ST two days ago (with the springs). The feet slide until the bolts are tightened.

I buy and sell Thule through eBay for beer money and I've never even noticed a spring before this thread.

Don't give it anymore thought.

 

[slamka33]

2DeanBufton:
Thule accepted my complains and third set given to me was before final handover to me tested directly on my roof. They mounted them to my roof, I used it for a week and come back to shop for putting them off. They were ok, so they give them to me.
Since that time - no problem, they did not cracks and works perfectly.
It was wrong series of this U-springs....confirmed by Thule...

2ben4012:
You are not right. These springs have a very interesting feature - without them foots will not be so easy to slide out of the bar. Sliding in is not a problem, but sliding out.