This p clamp bolt is a serious engineering failure, at least with my new exhaust. You need a wobbly which barely fits, and took protect the heat shields with painters tape and still it's a cluster ****. Went to the tool store today and forgot about this but. It's 1/2" and with a 3/8 ratchet and wobbly it's kinda doable without ****ing up loosened heat shields, but not really. I used and open ended wrench to do it until it wouldn't line up as there is limited movement due to the rear head pipe. Next try will be a 1/4" wobbly with the 1/4 drive 1/2 socket I got today, but I forgot to get the wobbly.

Anyone have a better solution? I prefer the twin cam vertical fastener attached to the front exhaust bracket. It was far simpler to get to. I also got a crows foot 1/2" I can attach a 3/8 ratchet to. But doesn't look like it's gonna work without a wobbly. Look close you'll see I scratched the heat shield installing it. D' oh!

 

3/8 drive 1/2" deep well socket, 3 inch extension and ratchet.. no issues.... not sure what you got going on there..

 

^^^

 

Use a 6 point socket, and lay a rag on the shield if you're concerned about marring the paint.

 

My front head pipe sits way higher than that. It is impossible to get a straight shot to the nut. I now, it's a no brainer when it's a straight shot. I'll get the painters tape out and use a 1/2" deep well with an extension so you can see. I don't think a deep well socket will even fit on it...Stay tuned.

 

Just loosen up your heat shield to move it out of the way of it. Two clamps.

 

Here's how it is with my new muffler...as you can see the deep well socket will not fit at all. And, the front head pipe is might higher than the stock one. The 1/2 deep well socket is resting above where the bolt is. You guys have it easy....

 

Couple of different ways, use a wobble extension. A set of 3/8 & 1/4 wobble extensions can be had at your Harbor Freight Store. Or go with a flex 3/8 inch drive 1/2 inch six point flex socket. My set is Husky but cannot remember where I got them as they are at least 40 years old. On my Trike it is a pretty straight shot so yours may be different.

 

How about a ratcheting box wrench? Not much swing but it'll getter done.