Yoshimura ALS-022 Aluminum Spacer: What It Does and When to Replace It

Quick answer

The Yoshimura ALS-022 aluminum spacer is a small fitment component that sets correct spacing and isolates vibration between exhaust hardware. Replace it if it is cracked, crushed, corroded, or no longer holds torque. If you hear a new rattle or see wear at the joint, inspect the spacer before replacing the whole muffler.

Small hardware decides whether a big exhaust system stays quiet and tight. The Yoshimura ALS-022 aluminum spacer is one of those small parts. It sets spacing at a mounting or connection point and keeps metal-to-metal contact from grinding under vibration.

Because it is aluminum, it is light and corrosion-resistant, but it is also softer than steel. That means it can deform before the surrounding hardware fails. Knowing what it does and how it fails helps you decide whether to replace a cheap spacer or step up to a larger repair.

What the ALS-022 aluminum spacer actually does

An exhaust spacer sits between two surfaces to set a gap, align a joint, or isolate vibration. On a motorcycle exhaust, that gap matters. Too little clearance and parts rub; too much and bolts lose preload. The ALS-022 aluminum spacer handles that job at its specific mounting point.

Aluminum is a practical choice here. It resists rust, weighs little, and can be machined to tight tolerances. It is not as hard as steel, so it is designed to be the part that wears or deforms first. That protects more expensive components like muffler bodies and mounting tabs.

• Check the parts diagram or call Yoshimura sales at 800-634-9166 if you are unsure where the spacer fits.
• Never substitute a random washer for a spacer; thickness and diameter affect alignment and torque.

Symptoms that point to a worn or damaged spacer

A failing spacer rarely announces itself. You may notice a new buzz or rattle at a specific RPM, especially when the exhaust is hot. You may see a shiny wear mark, black soot trail, or loose hardware at one joint. In worse cases, a bolt will not hold torque because the spacer has crushed or the hole has elongated.

If the spacer is cracked or missing, the two surfaces it separated can now touch. That can transfer vibration into the chassis and accelerate wear on the muffler or mounting bracket. Catching it early keeps a small part from becoming a large repair.

• Inspect after any tip-over, even a slow one in the garage.
• Recheck torque after the first few heat cycles following any exhaust work.

When replacement is the right call

Replace the ALS-022 aluminum spacer if it is cracked, crushed, heavily corroded, or if the joint will not stay tight after proper torque. Replacement is inexpensive and restores the original fit. If the spacer is fine but the muffler body is dented or punctured, you are past a spacer fix.

For muffler damage, Yoshimura offers replacement mufflers and a repair service. A 14'' R77 Right Muffler Stainless Carbon Fiber Tailpipe Flared End Cap is a direct replacement option for a damaged R77 muffler, and the company notes that some damage can be repaired while other damage makes a new muffler cheaper. If you are unsure which path applies, call Yoshimura at 800-634-9166 before ordering.

• Do not reuse a deformed spacer with new hardware; it will not hold torque correctly.
• If the mounting tab itself is cracked, stop and get the bracket inspected before riding.

The point where you should stop and get help

Stop riding if the exhaust is visibly loose, if you see a crack in a mounting tab or weld, or if the muffler is contacting the swingarm, tire, or bodywork. Those are structural or safety issues, not spacer issues. A new spacer will not fix a cracked bracket or a bent subframe.

Also stop if you cannot identify the correct spacer for your system. Yoshimura sells replacement service parts and small components, and the sales team can confirm fitment by phone or email. Guessing at hardware on an exhaust can cost more than the part you were trying to save.

• Photograph the joint before disassembly so routing and hardware order are clear.
• If a bolt has stripped its threads, do not force a larger bolt; address the threads first.

Diagnosis: spacer, hardware, or bigger problem

• Rattle or buzz at a specific RPM: Inspect the spacer and clamp at that joint. A crushed or missing aluminum spacer allows metal-to-metal contact and vibration. Replace the spacer and any worn clamp, then re-torque and recheck after a heat cycle.
• Bolt will not hold torque: The spacer may be crushed or the threads may be damaged. Remove the bolt and inspect both the spacer and the threaded hole. Replace the spacer if deformed. If threads are stripped, repair or replace the threaded component before riding.
• Visible crack at a mounting tab or weld: A spacer cannot fix structural damage. Cracks at brackets or welds can worsen and cause the exhaust to move or fall. Stop riding and have the bracket or system inspected or repaired by a qualified shop.

Related replacement parts that solve the same kind of problem

• 4'' TRS Stainless Muffler Heatshield: Replacement shields bolt right up and keep your Yoshimura system looking tight. If your heatshield is damaged but the muffler is fine, a replacement shield restores protection and appearance without replacing the whole system.
• Stainless R77 Muffler Clamp Carbon Fiber: Muffler clamps tighten the connecting points on your Yoshimura exhaust. A worn clamp can mimic a spacer problem by letting the joint move. Replace both if either is compromised.
• 14'' R77 RIght Muffler Stainless Carbon Fiber Tailpipe Flared End Cap: Some muffler damage can be repaired and sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new muffler; options exist for street and MX/Off-road in aluminum, stainless, or carbon. If your spacer failed because of a tip-over that also damaged the muffler, compare repair cost against replacement before ordering.

The ALS-022 aluminum spacer is a small, inexpensive part with a clear job: hold the correct gap and absorb vibration so larger exhaust components last. Inspect it whenever you have the hardware apart, replace it when it is deformed, and stop for professional help when the damage goes beyond the spacer.