Hitch mount rack stuck.. what to do?

[JayPowHound]

After googling extensively I could t find a solution, but this reddit user had the same problem and provided a video that shows exactly what I'm experiencing so I'm going to use his post.

He didn't get any answers...

Ideas?

https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/c..._sports_4bike/

[JayPowHound]

A good synopsis of my issue..

The Quick Release knob is no longer working. About 2 months ago, after a bike trip, I tried to remove the rack. I turned the key ccw and removed it. The knob seemed to engage, but when I turn the knob to remove the rack the knob feels like it is encountering resistance and then slips to the next resistance point without loosening the rack from the hitch.The rack has been "stuck" on the back of the vehicle from that point.I need assistance/advice on how to remove the rack from the hitch. and possibly how to remove or replace the quick release mechanism.

[El Chupacabra]

Is that the same exact rack you have? Guessing it's an expanding cam inside the hitch, that presses out when you turn the knob - is that right?

Can you access the back side of the hitch, and spray some rust penetrant in there?

Whack the hitch outside (where the bike rack is inserted) with a hammer, hard? Jiggle rack, whack hitch, try to loosen knob, repeat...

[altasnob]

Applying heat in any form may help as well

[MarsB]

Is that the same exact rack you have? Guessing it's an expanding cam inside the hitch, that presses out when you turn the knob - is that right?

Can you access the back side of the hitch, and spray some rust penetrant in there?

Whack the hitch outside (where the bike rack is inserted) with a hammer, hard? Jiggle rack, whack hitch, try to loosen knob, repeat...

This. Generously spray some PB Blaster and let sit for a few hours. A dead blow hammer or rubber mallet would be a better option than a hammer.

[XXX-er]

IME any and all racks you attache to your vehical will be frozen to it if you don't premptively take them off and lube at least once a year

[scmartin69]

This. Generously spray some PB Blaster and let sit for a few hours. A dead blow hammer or rubber mallet would be a better option than a hammer.

This... My rack has an expansion "ball" in the receiver to prevent sway and sometimes requires a whack on the tension adjuster to release even when fully loosened.

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[El Chupacabra]

This. Generously spray some PB Blaster and let sit for a few hours. A dead blow hammer or rubber mallet would be a better option than a hammer.

Yes, start with a dead blow hammer. If no luck, hand sledge on the hitch outside.

[adrenalated]

A good synopsis of my issue..

From both the description and the video it sounds like something is stripped, probably between the plastic knob and whatever mechanism is inside it.
I'd focus first on trying to remove the plastic knob. I don't have that rack so no idea how it comes off, but I'd look for a set screw or something else securing it on.