Bike Racks for Buses
Multi-Modal Products
Bus Rack Mission | Product Information | Support
Installation Instructions | Maintenance | FAQs | How to Use | Online Resources

Service and Maintenance

The Sportworks bike racks are easy to maintain and service. They have been designed and built to last the lifetime of a public transit vehicle. All of the moving parts are stainless steel and the rack and associated hardware require no lubrication of any kind. Please find following some guidelines to keeping your rack in top working condition.

BIKE RACK VISUAL INSPECTION

Top View

Side View

BIKE RACK VISUAL INSPECTION

Sportworks recommends the following quick visual inspection to ensure an operable bike rack. Use this page as an inspection sheet for your transit operators.

Examine the 7 items below before operating your coach. If the bike rack does not function properly, service it before putting it into operation.

1. _____ HEX CAP IS TIGHT
               Tighten by hand (preferably by tool) if required.
2. _____ ENDPLUGS ARE PRESENT (2 PLACES)
               Replace plugs if missing or damaged.
3. _____ BOLTS ARE PRESENT - SECURE ARMS TO FRAME (4 PLACES)
               Replace missing bolts.
4. _____ MAGNETS ARE PRESENT (2 PLACES)
               Replace if missing. These magnets stow the hook arms.
5. _____ HOOK ARMS SLIDE IN/OUT (2 PLACES)
               Hooks move smoothly in/out and self-stow on magnet.
6. _____ LATCH HANDLE WORKS
               Latch is easy to release and does not get stuck.
7. _____ BIKE RACK SWINGS FREELY AND LOCKS IN TWO POSITIONS
               Rack pivots and locks in both the deployed and stored positions.

DL2 MAINTENANCE

The DL2 and its accompanying brackets require very little service. Regular suggested maintenance checks are included below.

30 DAY GENERAL MAINTENANCE INSPECTION & SERVICE

Check every 30 days to insure that:

1. The rack swings freely and smoothly between the deployed and stored positions.
2. The release latch easily unlatches and does not stick in the release position.
3. The release latch automatically locks the rack in place when moved to the deployed or stored positions.
4. Each support arm hinge allows the support arm to raise and lower without undue constraint.
5. Each support arm magnet properly mates with and holds the support arm.
6. Each support arm hook pulls out smoothly, stops at the stop screw, easily slides back into the stored position, and properly self stows on the magnet when it is released.
7. Both pivot bolt assemblies are tight.
8. All fasteners are tight on the mounting bracket, including the hardware for the support strap, quadrant, pivot plate to bracket pieces, and bracket pieces to bumper or coach body.
9. There are two black plastic endplugs inserted into the main frame of the rack located near the ends of the lowering tube (the tube one grabs to engage the release latch). Replace if missing.
10. Check Torsion Spring Wear Pad for excessive wear or loose attachment to frame.
11. Torsion Spring Pivot Bolts are tight.
12. The instruction labels on the rack are intact. Replace if shredded, partially removed, non-readable, or not adhering properly. Clean the rack surface thoroughly (isopropyl alcohol) before replacing. Pay particular attention to the chain guard sticker.

SERVICING

In addition to the 30 day general maintenance and service inspections, there are more specific service guidelines to follow in maintaining the Sportworks’ bike rack. The guidelines are easy to follow and should be done so every 30 days. If there are problems with the bike rack or mounting bracket, replace or repair them to proper working order and return them to service. Contact Sportworks for parts.

SERVICING THE DL2 BIKE RACK

Service every 30 days

1. If the bike rack is not raising and lowering with ease, check the two pivot bolt assemblies for incorrect installation or wear. Replace the assemblies if damaged. Check that the pivot tabs are straight and aligned to properly pivot the bike rack. Straighten the tabs as required.
2. Check the pivot plate for correct alignment and damage. Remove and straighten the pivot plate if it is not straight.
3. If the bike rack magnet does not properly mate with the support arm, check the alignment of the magnet arm (the steel strap securing the magnet to the bike rack). Tweak the magnet arm as required.
4. Make sure the fasteners holding the magnet assemblies to the magnet arm are tight. Examine the magnet and magnet housing for wear. Replace if damaged.
5. Examine the structural integrity of the main loops, saddle pieces, and the rectangular tubing of the main frame. Repair or replace the bike rack if damaged.

SERVICING THE DL2 LATCH MECHANISM

Service every 30 days

1. Check that the release handle and handle stem are straight. Straighten them if they are bent out of line.
2. Examine the wear of the plastic insert in the tip of the latch pin. Replace the insert if the latch quadrant is being marred by the latch pin.
3. If the latch pin does not properly track on the latch quadrant, check that the quadrant is attached tightly and squarely to the pivot plate. Replace the quadrant if damaged.
4. Examine the components inside of the latch housing.
   1. Remove the roll pin attaching the latch stem to the latch pin.
   2. After removing the roll pin, pull on the release handle to separate the latch stem from the latch pin.
   3. Unscrew the latch capnut and remove the components from inside the latch housing.
   4. Check the wear on the spring. Clean the spring and replace it if it is distorted or not functioning properly.
   5. Check the snap ring on the latch pin. Replace the snap ring if it is cracked, broken, or warped.
   6. Remove any dirt and debris from inside the latch housing.
   7. Re-assemble the latch mechanism in the reverse order of steps a-c.

SERVICING THE SUPPORT ARM

Service every 30 days

Parts & Service Fig. 5

1. Examine the components inside of the support arm.
   1. Remove the bolts attaching the support arm hinge to the bike rack.
   2. Remove the stop screw at the top (washer end) of the support arm housing. Remove the roll pin from the base of the support arm housing.
   3. Carefully slide the stainless steel hook arm out from the support arm housing. Make note of how the two nylon slider keys and stop plate fit at the base of the hook arm.
   4. Remove the roll pin on the hook arm to free the support arm spring. Clean the spring and examine it for wear, overstress, and cyclical fatigue. Pay special attention to the end hooks of the spring. Replace the spring as necessary.
   5. Clean the inside of the stainless steel support arm housing using a stainless steel brush. Do not use a non-stainless wire brush.
   6. Examine the two nylon slider keys that rest at the base of the hook arm. Replace them if they are excessively worn or marred. Replace them if the support tube is not tracking correctly (i.e. there is too much twist).
   7. Examine the stop plate that rests at the base of the hook arm. Replace it if excessively worn, marred, cracked, or has any broken corners.
   8. Re-assemble the support arm in the reverse order of steps a-d. Use a simple hook made of stiff wire or similar tool to pull the spring into position when re-inserting the roll pin through the base of the support arm housing and the end hook of the spring.
   9. Check the operation of the support arm once again. Each support arm hook should pull out smoothly, stop at the stop screw, easily slide back into the stored position, and properly self stow on the magnet when it is released.
2. Straighten the support arm hook if it is bent, especially the portion of the hook that rests inside of the support arm housing--the hook may “freeze” up until it is straightened properly.
3. Examine the support arm hinge. Check the hinge for side play and warpage. With the support arm vertical and the hook fully retracted lightly push the hook towards the front of the bus and then away from the bus. If total movement exceeds 2”, replace the support arm housing.
4. Examine the grip on the hook of the hook arm. Replace it if ripped, gouged, or worn thin.