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Exhaust flange nuts help.

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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 04:53 PM
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Default Exhaust flange nuts help.
Installed new pipes last night and there is not enough room between the flange nut and pipe to get a socket head on it to torque it down. What do ya'll suggest? I'm thinking a crowfoot socket with a welded arm, but can't seem to find one.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 05:11 PM
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do you have the heat shields on the new pipes … if so, remove them to get more room for the socket … you should be able to get a socket on all the flange nuts …
 
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 05:16 PM
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Sometimes you just need to use a wrench and trust the torque to your wrist.Cant get a socket on two of the four on my fatbob.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 05:33 PM
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The frame downpipe gets in the way of the extension on one of mine, otherwise a 1/2" Craftsman socket fits just fine, even with the heatshields on.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 08:01 PM
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The only ones I ever have an issue with are the top nuts because of the heat shields. I just use a 1/4 inch drive socket and extension and problem solved.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 08:37 PM
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I use a swivel socket extension or a wobble extension and I have no problem on either bike
 
Last edited by golfblues; Aug 3, 2018 at 08:45 PM.
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Old Aug 3, 2018 | 11:10 PM
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The proper combo of swivel joints, extensions, and short sockets works. It's a pain in the ***, but it's a must have for Harley work.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2018 | 12:26 AM
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A lot of good suggestions above. I used a 1/4" drive and long extension to get it through..then use an 1/4" to 3/8" drive adapter with 3/8" swivel joint and socket.....if that makes sense. Only recall having this issue on the front head pipe.
 
Last edited by hscic; Aug 4, 2018 at 12:27 AM.
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Old Aug 4, 2018 | 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by whylee
The only ones I ever have an issue with are the top nuts because of the heat shields. I just use a 1/4 inch drive socket and extension and problem solved.
Great idea using 1/4" drive, especially because you don't want to snap those studs!!!!

John
 
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Old Aug 4, 2018 | 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by John Harper
Great idea using 1/4" drive, especially because you don't want to snap those studs!!!!

John
most torque wrenches that are in inch/pounds (which is what you need for exhaust studs) would be 1/4" drive anyway
 
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