With some Thule racks, you can't simply slide off the entire cradle strap assembly - a rivet prevents the assembly from sliding off. So, you have to use an alternative way to get the new strap onto the rack.
In my case, I have an old hitch mounted Thule rack Trailblazer 998xt. The replacement straps are cheap - only $5 from Thule or Amazon or eTrailer. The replacement strap for my rack is Part #7533535.
