Remove the exhaust to change the tire?

[Decker23]

Finally got that carb figured out, now to swap out the tires cuz these old ones won't hold air. It would appear that to remove the rear wheel, I need to remove the exhaust. And the manual doesn't mention this process; doesn't even mention the exhaust or muffler at all...

Can I get some help here?

Picture 1: The rear axle, and the exhaust blocking its removal.

Picture 2: A side view. That bolt doesn't actually move. The exhaust will wiggle slightly, but won't pull out. The "bolt" keeps it from moving up and down, and the H joint to the other exhaust keeps it from moving outward even after I removed the exhaust manifold gasket.

Picture 3: The H joint between the two exhausts. I sprayed it with WD40 but they won't budge apart. I can't tell whether they're welded together, what with the wheel in the way.

Any ideas as to what I'm missing? It seems that the H joint should separate, allowing the right-side exhaust to slide off.

 

[16VGTIDave]

You are on the right track. The exhaust crossover has to be separated. A torch and some gentle persuasion with a hammer may be required. Also, once the pipes are hot, melt candle or paraffin wax into the joint and wait for it to cool. The wax will penetrate rust and help break it up when it cools.

 

[Scorpio1963]

The H pipe will seperate just soak it with some deep pentrating lubricant.Also be prepared to buy a new piece for in the middle of the joint.Put your bike up on the center stand and use a rubber mallet to get apart.

 

[Decker23]

Would WD40 do as a penetrating lubricant, or would you suggest something else? Maybe something better at dissolving surface rust? Then just bang on it, maybe heat it, and keep on yanking, eh?

The piece in the middle. Do you mean the metal gasket, liner-looking bit helping to seal the outer, larger (left side) pipe to the smaller, inner (right side) pipe? Those don't survive being opened up?

 

[Scorpio1963]

Most often the case is the piece in the middle is desengrated from rust over the years.I know when I took mine apart it pretty much was toast.As for pentrating lube transmission fluid is the best stuff I have ever found for losening up rusted parts.Just let it soak over night and then try tapping it with a hammer.The part in the middle is called a muffler joint gasket although it looks like a small piece of pipe.The clamp hopefully with come off in one piece also if your lucky.

 

[arfstrom]

Okay, so I am guessing your bike is a SECA? Did you try undoing the exhaust collar? and see if that will allow the assembly to swing or pivot enough so that it may clear that bolt?

 

[Decker23]

This is a Maxim. I should have mentioned that.

I did undo the exhaust collar (manifold gasket?) from the engine. It didn't give any significant movement to the exhaust pipe. That H connection is pretty tight.

 

[Scorpio1963]

I think that was the problem with mine it was so tight and rusted I had a very difficult time trying to split the 2 pieces of pipe.I had to literal pound the h part of the pipe to get them to seperate.I had my bike up on the centerstand and had to lay on my back to get it seperated.I ended up getting another Hpipe from a different bike that was much easier to seperate and put back together.My bike is sohc model special so the hpipe is welded on as part of the muffler.Not sure if its the same way on a maxium/seca or not?Good luck I hope you get it.

 

[Specdog]

Have you taken the sag out of your suspension? Try this before breaking all the seals on the exhaust system. Adjust your monoshock to the firmist setting, with one hand push up on the tail section, with the other hand pull out the axle.

 

[arfstrom]

I could be time for the 2x4x6. a six foot (2meter) section of rectangular wood, and use it like a prybar, or something? (I would leave the opposite side attached firmly, so that only the right side comes off.

Of course you have to take off the rear brake pedal.