Maybe drill a small hole on the bracket and put a self tapping screw in so it just holds the rubber. That should take care of it.

 

Some stick a penny in there to tighten it up.

 

This is a problem I've never had. It might be because when I install mufflers, I make sure they are centered and "clocked" correctly then tighten them to the head pipe. Lastly I tighten the rear mount (making sure it doesn't side load the bushing).

 

The rubber will eventually glaze and it will not be a problem, until then put a drop of oil on the bracket.

 

I've never lost one, had them start the dreaded squeak and replaced them but I've always found them to be tight or didn't feel like they would ever fall out.


I'm guessing the rubber shrinks up over time maybe?


The wire tie idea seems legit but I don't think it'll keep them from squeaking, or maybe it will. Lol

 

OP

I got a '14 RK with about 8K miles. I started getting a noise from the left side exhaust. I checked all bolts/straps...everything was tight but still squeeked. I suspected a loose baffle in the muffler because the noise stops when I grab the left muffler. The rubber bushing is indeed a loose fit on the left side vs the right side.

Went to the dealer for the recall for bags falling off. While there, I asked about the noise. They said I could replace the rubber bushing with the type used for the trikes which they claim is a tighter fit.

I'll probably cut a piece of thin rubber or use a neoprene/rubber-type washer in there to take up the slack.

 

ok. i just checked them good. the left one never came loose or slid out. i looked at the right side and sure enough if u look close, there is a front and back to the rubber piece. i flipped it around. there is a little rubber nub on the front that looks like it catches on the metal bracket to keep it from vibrating out. mustve put it in backwards when i pulled off the mufflers. will c if it stays put now.

 

For whatever reason, the left side has always been looser on my RK than the right since day one and I get a little squeak on that side as well.

Looking at the rubber bushings that rubber nub should be facing up and on the forward side of the bolting plate - correct?

 

I also noticed that the left side muffler rubber bushing is a bit loose compared to the right side muffler. Thought it was just my 14 TK with that issue. Guess it's normal.

 

I do the zip tie thingy. Make sure you get the better quality ones. The cheapo ones don't last. Check to make sure the rectangular hole that the grommet slides into isn't spread open to much. New grommets should not slide in easy, I had to really force mine in. Good luck.