thanks to jamie, he hit the nail on the head. I couldnt pull the pipes out any further but a little leverage with a 2x4 pulled them about a 1/4" from that rear brake lever.

The funny thing is it doesnt end there for me... the damn mount bolt that needed the adjustment seems to be stripped out. The square part beneath the flat head of the bolt that is supposed to keep the bolt from turning (in order to loosen and tighten via the nut) is pretty much round now... I managed to get a hold of it with a pair of vise grips and they were ridiculously tight on the head of that bolt... but still no give in that damn nut. So basically no I cant tightening the damn bolt. ...so frustrating that its something so small to go wrong...

anyone ever drilled out that bolt? any ideas?

 

You may not have leaks, but you should have taken out those old gaskets. The thin sharp shoulder flanges on the shitty stock pipe deform the gasket differently than the more robust, thicker FM shoulder collar.

Did you loosen the cross-under bracket before you started prying with that 2x4? Don't really understand why you are having so much trouble, especially having to pry with a 2x4.

 

Yes I loosened everything before prying. When I did the install the only reason I didn't change the gaskets is because they had zero deformations or I would have.

I am having self induced problems I understand that believe me but this ain't my first rodeo... just a run of bad luck... and apparently over torquing a bolt. Luckily you are all very experienced and are willing to help. I greatly appreciate it.

 

Drill till you can twist off the nut/bolt, find a replacement, hopefully the opening in the bracket is okay or else you will need to replace that also.

 

So I am now really disappointed I didnt notice this problem sooner, because the damage looks pretty bad to me.

What do you guys think of this damage, is it repairable?

My first guess is getting some fiberglass resin and layering it in, or maybe im better off just wrapping that section? Any repair suggestions?

 

just an update, fuel moto was able to point me in the right direction again. Just out of precaution some J/B Weld and a spray ceramic coat to clean it up.

 

To be clear, any marks on the pipe can be touched up with ceramic coating touch up spray which is available from Helix Products, however note our stainless steel pipes will not be affected by scratches etc.. as they say "stainless is forever"