Front Muffler Strap Fastener Broken - 2008 XB12R

[capebay23]

Noticed a broken front muffler strap fastener today on my 2008 XB12R.

Having a tough time locating the part. Any suggestions or links? I found this... http://www.erikbuellracing.com/store/parts-accessories/exhaust/muffler-band-clamp.html but it NOTES: does not work in place of stock front clamp.

Also, looks like I may have to disconnect the headers and drop the whole exhaust to properly install... is that correct.

Help appreciated.

 

[capebay23]

Anybody know "xlr8n_xb"?

Looks like he has (had) one.

http://www.buellxb.com/forum/showth...-parts-for-sale&highlight=front+muffler+strap

 

[user_deleted]

Also, looks like I may have to disconnect the headers and drop the whole exhaust to properly install... is that correct.

no sir...that is not correct. straps available from various online sites and members also have good used ones. put feeler out on here and check both surdyke and newcastle and evilbay sellers for front strap. to install front only....and this is the CORRECT procedure for longevity....remove the cowling via 7 torx screws....loosen but do NOT remove both rear straps.....loosen muffler to header clamp. now gently wiggle the muffler and allow it to drop down an inch or so but do not remove it. now remove the hex cap bolt and captive nut holding the front muffler bracket to the engine case. remove assembly from motor...remove broken clamp....install new clamp WITH THREADED STUD FACING LEFT SIDE OF BIKE ONLY....reinstall bracket and bolt and captive nut to motor mount....run the bolt into the nut a few threads but allow clamp to wiggle...push muffler up against both front and rear brackets and symetrically tighten all 3 straps. lastly tighten the header to muffler clamp.

 

[capebay23]

Excellent, thank you. Also, just noticed I only have 1 rear strap. Guess I need to order another one of those too. I assume they just "butt" up next to each other. Can I put the 2nd rear strap on with this same process you describe or are there additional steps. Looks like I have to remove the tensioner cover but that's about it... correct?

Thanks again LF.

 

[user_deleted]

Excellent, thank you. Also, just noticed I only have 1 rear strap. Guess I need to order another one of those too. I assume they just "butt" up next to each other. Can I put the 2nd rear strap on with this same process you describe or are there additional steps. Looks like I have to remove the tensioner cover but that's about it... correct?

Thanks again LF.

they do NOT butt up against each other. factory install is threaded post pointed towards belt drive....each clamp 3/16th inch in from end of bracket and threaded posts outbound of bracket parallel to ground. steps are:
bike on sidestand only
remove front pulley cover
remove right side drivers footpeg bracket if SS or X model for clearance
remove axle pinch bolt
loosen rear axle PRECISELY 21 TURNS..........NO MORE..............NO LESS
remove 2 belt tensioner bracket nuts and flat washers..........remove tensioner assembly
now do the rear straps.

 

[capebay23]

Great. Thanks again LF. We all need to pitch in and send you a check for all you do on here.

 

[Cooter]

What's a "check"...











har har:black_eyed:

 

[capebay23]

You and a few others deserve one too!

 

[user_deleted]

Great. Thanks again LF. We all need to pitch in and send you a check for all you do on here.

always my pleasure. negotiable check fine.....cash even better. would be greatly appreciated as have been having trouble "putting food on the table" lately.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Lunatic, Im ashamed of you on this one. You forgot to ask why it broke. The straps dont just break, they snap due to excessive vibrations between the exhaust and engine. The front exhaust mount also has aluminium bushings, that are a wear item. The older these bikes get the more Im seeing this neglected and it WILL break your engine cases if left unchecked. Replace the bushings or the problem will be chronic and worsen over time.

 

[user_deleted]

Lunatic, Im ashamed of you on this one. You forgot to ask why it broke. The straps dont just break, they snap due to excessive vibrations between the exhaust and engine. The front exhaust mount also has aluminium bushings, that are a wear item. The older these bikes get the more Im seeing this neglected and it WILL break your engine cases if left unchecked. Replace the bushings or the problem will be chronic and worsen over time.

jacob: i learned a long time ago on here never to ask "how" something happened. it's both counter-productive, a complete waste of my time, and in 98.7% of the instances the person with the problem had no idea "how it happened" or lies about "how it happened". hope that alleviates a bit of the shame factor you incurred.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

I ashamed cause we ride Buells

 

[capebay23]

Ok. I took a closer look and found a sheared bolt where the header connects to the motor. Sent photo to local shop and they said they think they can remove it without having to remove the head. Ugh. They informed me since I will have to do this work, it may be good time to put in "new and improved" HD rocker gaskets.

If all goes well, a $300-400 fix.

Seems this may have caused front strap to snap due to increased vibration.

Ordered new straps and front strap mount bushings and will send the bike over to shop when they come in.

Oh well.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

There is a special jims tool for drilling out broken stud, chances are the bushings cause the strap and stud to snap. If they cant "extract" the stud the cheapest route is the jims tool and a tap to drill it out.
DO NOT LET THEM USE AN EXTRACTOR BIT!!!!

 

[Cooter]

The tool looks like this:

Being a "Harley shop" I would hope they are familiar with the repair. I would certainly ask though.

 

[fordnut79]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfXVDGameYo