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Old Aug 3, 2023 | 08:47 PM
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Question Broker header?

I think I may have broken the header or crossover pipe on my 2019 Electra Std.
I haven't pulled it apart yet but a few days back I hit a nasty pothole that made even my Ohlins bottom out hard.
Since then I've had a rattling noise that's driving me crazy.
I've tightened up all the clamps on my heat shields and checked all the mounting bolts I could find and all are tight.
When sitting on the bike with it running if I put my boot on the crossover heat shield coming out the left side with some pressure it stops.
What say ya'll? The bike is still under extended warranty but I found a stock header on ebay for $35 and it's close enough to go pick it up without shipping.
I think if it's broken that would be easier than wasting time with the dealer given they are 50 miles from home and usually booked out 3 weeks.
Is the header the same on all FLH bikes 2017-2023?
I hope to have time this weekend to get a better look see,been working long hours,been busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest.

 
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Old Aug 3, 2023 | 09:19 PM
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I had the same thing happening on my street glide.I could put my left heel on the cross over and it would stop.
The pipe was cracked just above the clamp on the right side. It was still under warranty but they didn't have a pipe in stock. I told them they could put a used take off on it if they had one . So that's what I got.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 08:26 AM
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Hitting a pothole and breaking something is not a warranty issue
JMO
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 08:40 AM
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I'd look carefully for a crack, but also inspect fasteners etc for something that has moved or become lose. The crossover clamp that attached to the transmission is a common source of a rattle noise at idle. And since you are putting pressure on the crossover on the right side with your heel, that is likely enough to move the pipe enough to stop the noise.

I ended up using a piece of an exhaust port gasket hammered flat and inserting it between the crossover clamp and pipe. It can be a challenge to get the bolt for the clamp started, but if the gasket material is hammered fairly flat it should work.

Paul
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 08:59 AM
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After decatting my stock headers, and putting everything back on, I supposedly somehow bent the clamp that secures the crossover to the bottom of the frame. For months after that, I could hear a rattle..it was more like a buzzing sound, but it drove me crazy. I tightened every clamp and bolt I could find on the clutch side exhaust and muffler, even including that clamp.

Finally took it to the dealer to see if they could find it, and they said it was bent. Replaced it and its been fine since.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 11:38 AM
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A typical rattle point is at the crossover clamp not tight enough so it rattles which is why when you put your foot on the crossover pipe the rattle stops.
Bob
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by eighteight
Hitting a pothole and breaking something is not a warranty issue
JMO
I didn't hit a pothole, mine just stress cracked.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 01:21 PM
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That clamp is a pain in the ***
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by eighteight
Hitting a pothole and breaking something is not a warranty issue
JMO
They're on a need to know basis and they don't need to know.
Anyway like I said I don't want the hassle of having it at a dealer 50 miles from home on the other side of a sh!thole city with terrible traffic.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 05:54 PM
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Thanks all! I'll let you know what I find.
 
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