'08 FLHT exhaust rattle

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Mar 16, 2009 | 04:01 PM

Hickster

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Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2009

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'08 FLHT exhaust rattle

Thanks to all who helped with my last question.The info was just what I was looking for.My Dad just bought a 2008 Electra Glide standard, it still has the stock exhaust and only 5,000 miles.However,there is a loud metallic rattle coming from the left muffler anytime the bike is running. It is loud enough that I can hear it when I'm riding along beside him.Nothing seems loose,rusty or worn so I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing this.He plans to eventually change the exhaust,but it may be a while so I'm trying fix it for now.Any suggestions/fixes would appreciated.

Mar 16, 2009 | 09:50 PM

RBowers

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 765

Likes: 49

From: New Jersey

Check the cross-over pipe on the rear cylinder. The stock pipe is prone to cracking near the Y causing the left muffler to appear to be loose.

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:08 PM

hogginit

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 578

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From: Canada

you could also check all exhaust fasteners inclding the heat shield fasteners for proper tightness and the clamp that connects the muffler to the pipes.

Mar 16, 2009 | 10:15 PM

teqsand

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 28,128

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From: US poverty capital, california

I just found both my slip-ons were loose at the pipe... 17k on the clock that's not bad, I guess I should have checked them more often...

Mar 16, 2009 | 11:02 PM

gregm

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 213

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From: Port Orchard, Washington

'08 FLHT exhaust rattle

My '05 developed a squeak from the left muffler. It was coming from the rubber mount at the rear muffler mount. I cut a piece of plastic milk bottle to fit between the bottom of the rubber mount and the bracket, that stopped the squeak. It can't be seen and will last forever. I also found that the exhaust mounting bracket behind the rear cylinder was missing the bolt and that allowed the movement that created the squeak to begin with. I left the piece of milk bottle in place just in case.
Gregm

Mar 17, 2009 | 12:26 AM

drive2live2ride

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Joined: May 2008

Posts: 364

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From: Bella Vista, AR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hickster

There is a rear cylinder pipe support bracket that is infamous for causing a hard to find rattle. The support bracket is attached with the starter's mounting bolts. So just find the two starter mounting bolts and follow the bracket above the starter to the pipe. One of the pipe's clamps is attached to the bracket and there is a nut on the bracket that often comes loose. Depending on the pipes you have the nut can be hard to get to. With the dresser duals on my bike, a crow's foot on the end of a long extension does the trick.