Exhaust Shields

[yuterev]

I have a 2006 gl 1800 7A. I cracked the subframe (right side) and had to replace it. The exhaust shields were bent/scratched so I bought new ones. The right side went on with no issue. The left side will not fit. The specific issue is the exhaust clips with rubber grommets will not fit into the little spot welded pockets on the inside of the shield, not even close. The old shield had the same issue. Any help would be appreciated.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Install the rubbers first on the little tabs with their lip facing towards the exhaust, then spray the 4 rubbers and their pockets with a mixture of dish soap and water. If any are torn, they will need replaced. Although I stock both, I believe the part number for the rubbers for the 2006+ are rubber (black) and the earlier ones for the earlier Wings are more silicone (gray), I always use the gray ones.

RUBBER, PROTECTOR 18293-MN0-000

[yuterev]

The tab is nowhere close to the pocket. Any ideas?

[GoldWingrGreg]

Is your shield OEM or aftermarket ???

[yuterev]

OEM. The right side went on like butter. The left never lined up on the old one which is why I bought a new one and it was scratched up as well. The tabs measure 7 1/4 inches center to center and the pockets are about 8 inches. I double checked the part number and it is correct for the year make and model. I never looked at how it was mounted before I removed it, but there is no way the tabs were ever in the pockets. On thing I do remember, it the grommets were in the pockets on the right but on the tabs when I removed the left side. You can see the tab is marked left front and the rear one has RR L on it. I looks like the wrong parts were welded to the exhaust. It is a bit puzzling to say the least.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Did you buy a brand new OEM front shield ???

I don't think your shield is fitted correctly at the rear, or the left header has been damaged. Is the shield fitted correctly at both its rear tabs ???

To test, once mounted on the 2 rear tabs, and while holding the front of the shield in an upward position, pull outward on the upper and lower rear corners at the back of that shield. You should feel the tabs catching. If not, the gap between the front shield and the rear shield will be too wide, and the front shield can be positioned too far forward. Sometime I will either have to look in the gap between the 2 shield, or I'll use a mirror from below to verify both tabs are sitting in their pockets. I always put the rubbers on the tabs first and spray both the rubber and the pocket with soapy water.

Sometime I have to fight one or both. Depending on the bike, some will go on like butter.

[yuterev]

It is a brand new part. The rear of the shield had no fitment issues and it lines up perfectly on the stud brackets welded to the exhaust pipe. The measurements are both the same on the on both the old an new. I have 20 years as a tech and the last 12 as a high school auto shop teacher. I have seen a lot of weird things, but I have never encountered a brand new OEM part with this kind of a fitment issue. I have had many aftermarket parts with different issues, but not OEM. I have only seen on this issue on vehicles due to build date. Before I posted I hunted for a few hours because I thought surely I can’t be the only one. BTW, thank you so much for your input.

[yuterev]

I was able to get the rear one to hook in slightly and that will have to be good enough for now. I spent too much time and money on this. Thank you for you time, I really appreciate it.

[GoldWingrGreg]

You are welcome. I respect your experience, and it's helpful to know.

I just revisited your picture, and it appears that the mount plate with the tab is damaged. The only bend should be where I put the arrow. Possibly you can see what I mean by looking at the rear one. But I wonder if that one is damaged too. Possibly the forward one on the other side can be used as a good sample of how it should look.