For one reason or another, the exhaust of your motorbike could sink. We can say that for this kind of problem, the solution is not always obvious. Although it is not a case isolated, straightening the dent in your exhaust is no easy task. This requires a lot of techniques and it is necessary to be equipped with special tools to overcome this problem. However, by respecting the steps we can hope to solve this problem even being an average person. There are a few solutions that you might find helpful in accomplishing dent removal. The common point between these solutions is tightness.
A sinking muffler could cause driving abnormalities and lead to serious internal malfunctions. Here are 5 steps to dent removal from your motorcycle's exhaust.
The 5 steps that can be useful to dent your motorcycle's exhaust
While it is true that not everyone is skilled in motorcycle mechanics with all of its technical aspects, it still deserves to try to solve our exhaust problem on our own. Here are therefore in five points the necessary steps for a good dent removal of a muffler.
1. Dent removal in the freezer
This technique is the easiest, it does not require special skills. You just need to fill the muffler 80% with hot water. Then, plug the two ends with a material which could ensure the tightness. Then put it inside your freezer. Dent removal should take place in just under 10 hours. However, by choosing this option it will take a lot of time to monitor the progress of the dent removal every hour to prevent it from exploding. If this technique does not suit you, you will have to opt for another by proceeding to the 4 following steps. However, you will need to be equipped with a compressor, a pressure gauge, a torch, a hammer and a soldering iron if necessary.
2. Pressurize the exhaust
Before proceeding, you will need to protect yourself by putting on protective gloves and goggles. At each end of your muffler you will need to fix 2 flanges and 2 plates fitted with valves. It must be ensured that the system is perfectly waterproof. Then, put an inflation pressure gauge on the valve and start to increase the air pressure to 5 bars maximum. In the event that you notice any leaks caused by holes in the pot, you will need to weld it.
3. Heat the area to be dented
For this step, you will need a torch. Do not remove the pressure gauge yet. You have to heat the sinking area using the flame of your torch to dent it. Make sure that the flame passes evenly over this area. Make a movement in the shape of a circle until you obtain a reddish color. After that tighten the movement towards the center of the zone while keeping the same temperature on the whole impact. At the same time make sure not to exceed 5 bars on the pressure gauge. Be careful not to overheat as the metal may melt.
4. Get in shape
Subsequently, you should notice that the metal takes shape little by little. You can use a hammer to tap on areas that have small imperfections or have not regained their shape. Let the whole cool down naturally. Above all, do not be tempted to cool it with water. Wait for the metal to cool well before removing the caps on 2 ends of the muffler. At the end, you can use emery paper or sandpaper to sand the dented area.
5. Reassembly and Adjustment
Once everything has been repaired, you just have to reassemble the can on your motorcycle. It should be noted that all of these steps will save your exhaust. Its current condition could not be similar to that of a new exhaust. It is not uncommon to see that even after professional work, it will require a few more adjustments to get the pot to line up properly with the fixings and the cylinder outlet.
Some tips to help you remove the dent from your motorcycle's exhaust
Perhaps one of the easiest ways is to put your muffler in the freezer for dent removal. It only requires water, caps and a freezer. However, we are not always available to carry out checks every hour. Sometimes we can easily forget.
Another solution that could be used is to access the inside of the muffler, to dent outwards and weld the 2 parts of the muffler. However, this method is more complex because you have to be really meticulous during assembly.
The most effective method is undoubtedly that which uses the system of dent removal by compressed air and by torch heating.
