Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

 
 
 
 
 
 
Oldblowin
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Subject:

Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

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Posted: 14.04.2017  ·  #1
There's a Fiamma Carry- Bike 200 DJ fitted to my 2004 Fiat Ducato camper van. I've been trying to mount the bikes on it for the first time and can't adjust the clamps to align with the frame of one of the bikes. It looks like the clamps should rotate around the support tube but either they don't (in which case I can't see how you are supposed to align them with different types of bike) or the plastic clamps are seized on the aluminium tubes.

Can anyone confirm that the clamps are supposed to rotate on the tubes and if so has anyone any suggestions for freeing them up (have tried WD40 and some gentle heat). Pic attached of clamps on the bench.

Many thanks...
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the fat controller
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Re: Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

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Posted: 14.04.2017  ·  #2
CHAUSSON
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Re: Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

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Posted: 14.04.2017  ·  #3
They do swivel but are usually tight, try holding one end in a vice and lock a suitable sized pipe in the other end and try a gentle twist. take care you don't tighten the vice too tight


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Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

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Posted: 14.04.2017  ·  #4
Pour some boiling water on the middle of the tubes and then try to rotate then . if you can. on the long one clamp a tube in the vice and lock it onto this tube and then another tube in the other end put a bit if pressure on at the same time pour the boiling water along the tube from the center out . on the short one clamp the flat end in the vice with some soft jaws and then do the same with the boiling water.
The boiling water should expand the tube so as to free it .
If all works then apply WD 40 to keep it free. apply some to the joints and leave it overnight before you start.


Oldblowin
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Re: Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

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Posted: 15.04.2017  ·  #5
Dear all
Thanks for confirming that they are supposed to swivel and for all the advice on how to encourage them to swivel again! I'll put the kettle on and try the heat treatment/vice solution and let you know how I get on.


Oldblowin
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Re: Fiamma Bike Rack frame clamps seized?

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Posted: 18.04.2017  ·  #6
Success! After several kettles of boiling water and over-night soaking in WD40 I finally got some movement. Now able to adjust to fit the bikes. Thanks all for the advice.


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