Exhaust clamps keep coming loose
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 20
From: Frederick Maryland
Exhaust clamps keep coming loose
I recently installed a new set of Vance and Hines header duals. I don't know what the issue is, but my exhaust clamps keep coming loose. I've tightened them all numerous times. Any suggestions? I was going to take a piece of exhaust wrap and use a small section under the heat shield To give the clamps something to grab onto. I've put on a few exhausts on my bikes and have never had this issue. I can't imagine that I got 4 bad clamps from Vance and Hines, but it's not one, it's all of them
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 490
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From: Omaha, NE
How much torque are you using? I found hardware on bikes and other vehicles to be under-torqued when using a torque wrench. Try using elbow torque, not too much because the clamps really don't need a lot or torque. "Peen" a clamp bolt thread. Meaning once you torque the clamps take a center punch, align the punch point on a thread that protrudes out of the clamp nut and strike the punch with a hammer. The intent is "peen" (deform) a thread that prevents the clamp nut from loosening. Not too much, some day you may want to remove the clamp.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
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From: Bay Area
They are probably stretched from all the tightening thats been done. Youre going to have to replace them. Are you sure you have them almost out to the end over the slits and not too far in on the pipe? If so theres no clamping force to hold it. I have seen some of the threads stretch, what I have done and it works is put a washer or 2 between the nut and clamp, that way when you torque it it is resting on a different area of threads that are not worn out. Also a lot of pipe manufacturers us an aluminum nut, try changing to a steel or new nut.
Last edited by bagman1; Aug 15, 2015 at 09:26 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 20
From: Frederick Maryland
Thanks for all the info folks. I think I'm going to just replace them and go from there. I'm sure one of the local auto parts store will have them at a fraction of the Harley cost !!!
Thanks again for all of the info.
Thanks again for all of the info.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 20
From: Frederick Maryland
I just tightened them again. I have about a 100 mile commute daily. On my next day off, I'm gonna take it all down, re adjust the exhaust, and put new clamps on. They keep coming loose and the heat shield keeps sliding down and resting on the floorboard, creating a metal to metal vibration.......