Change exhaust clamp #2 and #3

[roeme]

Looking at the parts fiches (550 in this case); I can't help but wonder how one would change those? The 2 and 3 pipes don't seem to detach from the mufflers. Or am I wrong?

[Dragon Breath]

You are not wrong.

Most of the GS bikes had one detachable pipe and one that was basically one piece, from flange to muffler tip.
The flange on the long pipe could not be changed without cutting and welding.

[roeme]

Oh man. I'm asking because I'm quite certain that I will have to replace the inner clamps/flanges at some point. And the exhausts are made of unobtanium.

Any pointers on how to go about this, and staying stock?

[Guest]

And the exhausts are made of unobtanium.

I like that.

Why would you see the need to replace them? Rust?

[roeme]

(...)
Why would you see the need to replace them? Rust?

Yes, #2 and #3 on the bike in question are rusty. #1 and #4 have been replaced at some point by a PO, as one of the screws for #3.

I'm just foreseeing the inevitable and like to get my research done beforehand.

I'm going to provide some pictures later on, so the more experienced can tell me the condition of the flanges.

[Guest]

Here's a couple of my ideas. Anyone can chime in and critique this because I don't know how practical it would be. One idea is expressed in the thumbnail and the other is to bore the clamp out to receive a two piece keeper somewhat like #1 and #4.

[roeme]

Here's a couple of my ideas. Anyone can chime in and critique this because I don't know how practical it would be. One idea is expressed in the thumbnail and the other is to bore the clamp out to receive a two piece keeper somewhat like #1 and #4.

The thumbnail's a neat idea!

I'm not sure about the structural integrity however, and I have no idea about the forces exerted on these parts, and about the seal. I'm going to take off the exhaust off the second bike to get a better overview.