Air Wings cracked Interstate Pods

[Big Tom 10628]

I finally found a set of replacement pods. What can I do to keep my Bakers from cracking the plastic under the mounting bolts again?

[Jess from VA]

I never wanted them, but I have read people add big rubber or polymer washers on both sides, to spread out the stresses. 

[John Schmidt]

Yup, I use star washers on top(they come with a rubber washer) and regular type underneath. And when you tighten the bolts when mounting the pods, just snug...no need to test your upper body strength. That also will crack them....same goes for the Bakers, snug or a tad past. I've had mine on for years without any cracks.

[Bighead]

Dont put them on and you wont have to worry with it. Just sayin. Dont have em
And never will. Dont see the point.

[Big Tom 10628]

Yeah I was thinking of some washers. I might even have some Star washers around.

For those who never had them and never will. When you ride in temperatures like this, any extra wind is appreciated.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I ran a set for years on my first I/S with no cracking.

Key is to spread out the clamping pressure over as wide an area as possible. With my installation I used thin polyethylene washers next to the pod plastic, then thin polished stainless washers next to the Air Wing mounts and on the undersides where the nuts clamp the assembly.

A little blue Loctite keeps things from loosening and (as another poster pointed out) allows you to just "snug" the hardware.