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[CVO ~ Senior Chief (Ret)]

I appologize for no pictures ...

This is on a 2009 Fat Bob and the bracket has broken just below the attachment point at the transmission.  I have had to constantly replace or tighten the exhaust flange nuts since I bought the bike this past May (with the exhaust and sold as new). I have mentioned it to the dealer twice, once was last week during the 5000 mile service, and the "attitude" that the dealer portrayed was kind of like, "yeah, it's a Harley you have to periodically tighten chit."

Anyway, Thursday, after only about 300 miles since my service, I noticed another exhaust leak and found two nuts and one stud were gone. With the exhaust "loose" from the engine is when the broken bracket became apparent. I brought it back to the dealer and that's when the experts were able to explain why the flange nuts have been coming loose. "Really? No Chit!!"

The dealer contacted D&D who will be sending another bracket "some time next week" and the dealer is going to replace the bracket with one from another system today (Saturday). Bottom line is that the dealer is "making good" on this. My question being, "is this a common problem with these exhausts?"

Thanks,
Scott

[SneakyPete]

Scoot,

I can't speak to whether it is common or not but I've had similar issues with my D&D Fatcat on a SEEG.  First I broke an exhaust stud on the front head when the transmission cover bolts holding the bracket loosened (two fell out) putting all the stress on the front cylinder head.  Fix was to apply loctite "red" to the transmission cover bolts holding the bracket.  The second problem occurred this spring when the bracket itself cracked at the 90 degree bend where you bolt the exhaust to the bracket itself.  Fix was to buy a new bracket and check alignment, etc. during re-install, so far so good.  Should note I've had the exhaust for 5 years now and this has been the only issue with it.  I consider vibration over time to be the reason, not poor workmanship or design.

[CVO ~ Senior Chief (Ret)]

Scoot,

I can't speak to whether it is common or not but I've had similar issues with my D&D Fatcat on a SEEG.  First I broke an exhaust stud on the front head when the transmission cover bolts holding the bracket loosened (two fell out) putting all the stress on the front cylinder head.  Fix was to apply loctite "red" to the transmission cover bolts holding the bracket.  The second problem occurred this spring when the bracket itself cracked at the 90 degree bend where you bolt the exhaust to the bracket itself.  Fix was to buy a new bracket and check alignment, etc. during re-install, so far so good.  Should note I've had the exhaust for 5 years now and this has been the only issue with it.  I consider vibration over time to be the reason, not poor workmanship or design.

Thanks Pete!! I picked up the bike this morning and it runs considerable smoother than I can remember. I am thinking that this bracket was cracked/broken since I bought it. Anyway, I know what to monitor and hopefully my problem is a one off.

Scott

[Heatwave]

I appologize for no pictures ...

This is on a 2009 Fat Bob and the bracket has broken just below the attachment point at the transmission.  I have had to constantly replace or tighten the exhaust flange nuts since I bought the bike this past May (with the exhaust and sold as new). I have mentioned it to the dealer twice, once was last week during the 5000 mile service, and the "attitude" that the dealer portrayed was kind of like, "yeah, it's a Harley you have to periodically tighten chit."

Anyway, Thursday, after only about 300 miles since my service, I noticed another exhaust leak and found two nuts and one stud were gone. With the exhaust "loose" from the engine is when the broken bracket became apparent. I brought it back to the dealer and that's when the experts were able to explain why the flange nuts have been coming loose. "Really? No Chit!!"

The dealer contacted D&D who will be sending another bracket "some time next week" and the dealer is going to replace the bracket with one from another system today (Saturday). Bottom line is that the dealer is "making good" on this. My question being, "is this a common problem with these exhausts?"

Thanks,
Scott

I had the same transmission bracket break on my FatCat. D&D made good and sent a whole new header since the bracket is welded and can't just be replaced. I recommend that if you have a FatCat make sure the transmission bolts that hold this bracket are installed with locktite and torqued to spec. Check your exhaust flange nuts for tightness on a regular basis and whenever you have your rear tire replaced, have the mechanic check the transmission exhaust bracket since that's the best time to see if it's cracked or broken.

[CVO ~ Senior Chief (Ret)]

I had the same transmission bracket break on my FatCat. D&D made good and sent a whole new header since the bracket is welded and can't just be replaced. I recommend that if you have a FatCat make sure the transmission bolts that hold this bracket are installed with locktite and torqued to spec. Check your exhaust flange nuts for tightness on a regular basis and whenever you have your rear tire replaced, have the mechanic check the transmission exhaust bracket since that's the best time to see if it's cracked or broken.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for this ...

[Tabatha]

My D&D has performed very well for a long time , in fact, this is my fourth D&D Fat Cat !
Never a problem !