A bike rack on a towbar, roof or the back of a motorhome travels with the vehicle through rain, dust and salted roads. The platform hinges, locks and metal strap buckles are the first to rust, and after a winter in storage the platform may refuse to fold down at all.
A short service before and after the season protects both the rack and your bikes. Here is how to do it.
What you will need
Important: Take the bikes off the rack before servicing it. Make sure the platform is secured and cannot drop onto your hands while you work the hinges. Keep lubricants off the bikes' brake discs.
Step 1
Wash the rack
Start any service with a wash. Remove dust, mud and road salt from the frame, wheel channels and mounts. A pressure washer with car shampoo is easiest, but a bucket and brush will do. Dry the structure thoroughly afterwards.
Step 2
Check the hinges and locks
Work the platform hinges, fold the platform down and up a few times, and test the locks and the towbar or roof bar clamp. After a period of disuse they are often stiff. Inspect welds, bolts and plastic parts for cracks and rust.
Step 3
Free up seized parts
If a hinge or lock will not move, apply WD-40 Specialist Penetrant to the pivot and gaps, wait a few minutes and work the part gradually. Do not hit it with a hammer, as the pin bends easily. Repeat if needed.
Step 4
Lubricate hinges and guides
Once everything moves freely, treat the hinges, contact points and the guides of any lifting mechanism with WD-40 Specialist Silicone. Silicone lubricant does not attract dust, repels moisture and is safe on plastic and rubber, so you can use it next to seals and wheel holders.
Step 5
Treat buckles and bolts
Metal strap buckles and ratchets often oxidise. Treat them with WD-40 Multi-Use: it drives out moisture, protects against rust and gets them moving freely again. Do the same on the mounting bolts and nuts so they undo easily next time.
Step 6
Protect the whole structure
Finally, mist WD-40 Multi-Use lightly over the metal frame and spread it with a cloth. The thin film guards against moisture and salt. Wipe any excess off the wheel channels and straps so the bikes do not slip.
Tip: Store the rack off the vehicle in a dry place over winter. Wash, dry and treat the hinges before putting it away, and the platform will fold down first time in spring.
What next
Service the rack before and after the season and after every long trip in the rain. Check the towbar or roof clamps for tightness every few trips.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».