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Author Topic: Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.  (Read 770 times)

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RayG

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Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.
« on: May 19, 2011, 04:28:26 PM »

I have RHTD's on my bike and over the years the exhaust has been removed a number of times.  I replaced all the hardware last year because it was giving me trouble. Well after removing them a few weeks ago I apparently overtightened the bolts because the nut that slides in the holding housing is now just spinning.  So the nut has to be worn and rounded as it won't hold to loosen.  I put plenty of PB Blaster, and tried wedging screwdrivers of various sizes to try to keep the nut in place while I try to loosen the bolt.  I was successful on one side and replaced the hardware, but one side is fighting me all the way.  If it doesn't come loose shortly I plan to remove the muffler, bag support bar then hack saw the bracket and put the spare bracket with the new hardware. Either way I will have to deal with a worn housing that is supposed to hold the nut firmly in place.  

I had the mufflers loosen up last summer and one bracket fell off after a dealer worked on it, so now I do most everything myself, including overtightening hardware.  Can't win, either to loose or to tight.  This will give me the reason to go to a good 2 into 1 next winter.

Any solutions I haven't tried yet?

Ray G  
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Big C.

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Re: Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2011, 10:31:14 PM »

   Hey Ray, sorry to hear of your bad luck how about a quick tack weld :nixweiss: and if you do cut it up and go with a good 2 into 1 you will gain a few points on the dyno .
                                                                        Cory
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cahdbiker

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Re: Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.
« Reply #2 on: May 20, 2011, 12:52:05 AM »

RayG, Do you have enough room to get in there with a carbide grinder and just grind the entire head off? Just a thought since I am not familiar with your bike. CAHDBIKER
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2009 SEUC just south of Point Mugu Ventura County, Ca.

RayG

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Re: Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.
« Reply #3 on: May 20, 2011, 12:13:38 PM »

I really loaded it up with PB Blaster on a regular basis, should invent an auto dispenser for these situations?  I ground down 2 old screw drivers and pounded them against the nuts with a rubber mallet being careful not to come into contact with the chrome and after a few minutes each one back right out.  The slots on the mufflers that hold the nut in place were so spread out that I had to use a pair of channel locks pliers with a rubber hose on each jaw so I could close it up.  Finally I drilled out the brackets to accept 3/8 nuts & bolts & it worked out fine.  I plan to find some chrome flat bar and make new brackets that are longer so the nuts are at the far end of the slots which are not damaged.  It's always the little stuff that complicates things.  Still going to a 2 into 1 next year.  

Thanks

Ray G.
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spydglide

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Re: Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2011, 12:31:33 PM »

Good deal Ray.  Glad you got those RH's fixed.  They're great looking pipes & great for high end....but the 2 into 1 are preferred for torque/low end (so they tell me)..I just love the TruDual looks on a dresser especially.  :2vrolijk_21:  spyder
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2004 FLHTCSE Cobalt 'Huckleberry'  .....94K+mi.     &  1994 FLSTN 'OleGranny' .....116K+mi.

wolfman

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Re: Trouble removing hardware on mufflers.
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2011, 01:23:36 PM »

Ray, meet me at the New Asia bout 4:30 and you can forget about that stuff over the best mai-tais on the Seacoast
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SERT, V&H Power Duels, SE mufflers, Dyno-tuned , Heavy Breather, Corbin Solo , windsplitter windshield , J&M 250w amp/7.25" speakers.
 

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