mikebike357
New member
I purchased a Thule 914 hitch mount bike rack (thanks wannarex!) to use on the Outback with the factory Subaru hitch. I have read some posts about people having issues with the Thule racks & OEM hitches because Thule supplies a bolt with a 19mm hex head to secure the rack to the hitch.
Problem: Subaru OEM hitch has a flange on the top of the receiver which prohibits tightening of the bolt. No clearance between the bolt & the flange. Tried a socket but the socket got stuck. OOps. You can hand tighten it and also play with a wrench but it's cumbersome.
Solution: Purchased replacement bolt from http://www.mcmaster.com that has a round head that'll tighten w/ a 10mm hex key. Clearance issue solved.
McMaster part number: 91290A624
Cost: $6.88 for a box of 10
Shipping: $5.25 Fedex next day
If anyone needs a bolt... lemme know... I have 9 extra. This isn't an issue with aftermarket hitches.
Here's the pic w/ the provided bolt from Thule:
I have been in contact w/ Thule regarding the issue and hopefully they'll come up with some kind of resolution for us OEM Subie Hitch folks...
Problem: Subaru OEM hitch has a flange on the top of the receiver which prohibits tightening of the bolt. No clearance between the bolt & the flange. Tried a socket but the socket got stuck. OOps. You can hand tighten it and also play with a wrench but it's cumbersome.
Solution: Purchased replacement bolt from http://www.mcmaster.com that has a round head that'll tighten w/ a 10mm hex key. Clearance issue solved.
McMaster part number: 91290A624
Cost: $6.88 for a box of 10
Shipping: $5.25 Fedex next day
If anyone needs a bolt... lemme know... I have 9 extra. This isn't an issue with aftermarket hitches.
Here's the pic w/ the provided bolt from Thule:
I have been in contact w/ Thule regarding the issue and hopefully they'll come up with some kind of resolution for us OEM Subie Hitch folks...