Exhaust removal
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 653
From: Potter County, PA
Exhaust removal
As previously stated on these forums, I am a longtime Shovelhead owner, had one Twin Cam for a year or so, and now this being my first Evo bike. I am needing to remove my rear wheel for a couple of reasons. The axle is put in exhaust side to belt side. My rear exhaust pipe will need to be loosened if not removed altogether to get the axle out. I will reverse the direction of the axle bolt for easier, future removals, when I reinstall the wheel.
If I have to loosen the rear exhaust pipe from the head to turn it a little for clearance, how likely is it to reseal when I turn it back to where it was? Or should I just plan on having to totally remove it and replace the exhaust gasket? It has Vance & Hines original style Longshots on it. Should I plan on just removing the "muffler" and leaving the pipe installed at the head intact? It probably isn't actually a muffler, but is clamped to the exhaust pipe as a shorty muffler would be.
If I have to loosen the rear exhaust pipe from the head to turn it a little for clearance, how likely is it to reseal when I turn it back to where it was? Or should I just plan on having to totally remove it and replace the exhaust gasket? It has Vance & Hines original style Longshots on it. Should I plan on just removing the "muffler" and leaving the pipe installed at the head intact? It probably isn't actually a muffler, but is clamped to the exhaust pipe as a shorty muffler would be.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
The Exhaust gasket can easily be distorted.. Certainly if you Twist the pipe..BTDT. I loosen Alot, and pull pipe from spigot, to move them... or, simply (try) to remove Only the Muffler.. Maybe ya get lucky!!!
I Religiously put the Axle in from the Not Exhaust Side!!!
I Religiously put the Axle in from the Not Exhaust Side!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,361
From: Cental, MI
Judicious use of a Secure Lift...Yup... BTDT
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
My axle goes in from the drive side now and I have to jack the bike up to get a socket on the nut but that doesn't necessitate taking the exhaust off or loosening it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,562
Likes: 7,914
From: Long Island, New York
Lots of options offered, removing the head pipe is a last resort. Just a PITA and the gasket will need to be replaced.
For me, unbolting the shocks and lowering the swing arm is the easiest way. Not sure why but I hate messing with any part of the exhaust. Second choice would be removing the muffler. But they can get stuck on their and become a PITA. I put anti seize on the pipe when reinstalling, seems to help for the next time. Good luck.
For me, unbolting the shocks and lowering the swing arm is the easiest way. Not sure why but I hate messing with any part of the exhaust. Second choice would be removing the muffler. But they can get stuck on their and become a PITA. I put anti seize on the pipe when reinstalling, seems to help for the next time. Good luck.
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