Just Got Flex, have they fixed the backing plate issues?

mixmaster209

mixmaster209

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Hi everyone,
Just got my flex 3401 last thursday. This thing feels really well built. Now just one question...
Before I use it for my first polish and wax, i had searched alot on this forum and others regarding what I should do when I had heard about the whole backing plate issue.
I feel bad creating a whole new thread about this, but I have searched for more recent threads and posts about what i should do to make sure this doesn't happen with mine. I had read that people put oil on the felt ring and tighten the bolt of the backing plate. Now, the first thing I did when i got the Flex was tighten the bolt of the backing plate because when i called Bobby from Autogeek, he had said all you should have to do is follow the instructions in the manual and tighten the bolt holding the backing plate. He also had mentioned that the backing plate issue happened a while ago and that I shouldn't worry or have to do anything out of the ordinary to have a perfectly running flex 3401. Now, I was wondering if anyone hadn't oiled the felt ring and run into any problems. I didn't really want to remove the assembly and start removing things and oiling them.
I figure its a new machine and should I have to do this? Am i risking anything if I don't?
Basically, has anyone not oiled the felt ring on their recently purchased flex 3401 and not had any problems?
Also Might anyone have a picture of the felt ring. Is it as simple as taking of the backing plate bolt and removing a felt ring?
Also could i use motor oil, as that is all that i have at the moment.
Thanks again guys for your help. And yes i did use the search button..lol
 
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Fwiw. Several months ago a guy on Autopia, spoke with someone at Flex. A rep told him to lube the felt ring with garage door spray lube.

I receive my Flex a few weeks back, and oiled the felt ring just in case. Also, it was said don't over tighten the bolt on the Flex.
 
My felt ring damaged the backing plate, but AG stepped in with a new one and no issues since. I believe I was in the minority and have heard of maybe 1 complaint since and likely from the same batch.

It should be noted, no damage to car nor paint.
 
I haven't removed the backing plate yet... does the felt ring come off?
does it have to be submerged in oil?
Also I don't believe I have any spray lube like you had mentioned, however I would just have wd-40, some motor oil and some after run oil for a nitromethanol r/c engine. Any ideas if these work?
 
mixmaster209 said:
I haven't removed the backing plate yet... does the felt ring come off?
does it have to be submerged in oil?
Also I don't believe I have any spray lube like you had mentioned, however I would just have wd-40, some motor oil and some after run oil for a nitromethanol r/c engine. Any ideas if these work?
Click to expand...
Get some machine oil, sewing machine oil or gun oil.
 
I would warn all to heed the directions and tighten backing plate prior to first use, might save a backing plate or two.
 
Thought i remember someone saying they used synthetic motor oil on a thread somewhere for the felt ring?
Shouldn't it do the same work as garage lube seeing as its made for high temperature engine internals?
What could happen if i use this instead of the other stuff. I really don't have any sewing machine oil, gun oil, or general machine oil. sorry :(
 
If garage lube like this is what the flex representative recommended for the felt ring 3-IN-ONE Professional: 3-IN-ONE Garage Door Lube

Then wouldn't wd-40 do the trick? seems like the same product.
My only concern is that don't products like this end up drying out?
Would it have to be applied every time the machine is used?

Sorry i'm asking a lot of questions, just want this machine to last me a long time without having any problem. :P
 
This is what a flex rep told this person. WD-40 doesn't work like this stuff I wouldn't imagine. Supposedly this stuff dries to a gel and sticks to the felt, or whatever else for a long time. Again according to this poster.

I guess if anyone has questions about it, they could always call Flex and see what they tell them.
 
Very interesting nosbusa. I guess i will defenitely go and get some of this garage door lube if i can find it.
Apart from that you guys would you advise against motor oil for the time being?
 
I wouldn't put it in motor oil. That's just me. Whatever works for you..

If you didn't want to buy the garage door lube, it was also said, that "air tool oil" will also work. I believe this came from "powerhouse" the company that services the flex in the US.

Fwiw. This company also sells, Flex's that come lubed from them with air tool oil. Or they did the the last time I read a thread about it.

I ended up putting some 3 n 1 oil on mine before I read about this subject.

Hope this helps.
 
thanks for all the feedback nosbusa. Really helpful. Appreciate it. Will go out and buy some 3-in-one if i can find.
Just one more question (sorry to be a pain), does this felt ring come off completely? meaning do we remove it and lube it, or lube it directly in the machine?

Thanks
Mike
 
nosbusa said:
Fwiw. Several months ago a guy on Autopia, spoke with someone at Flex. A rep told him to lube the felt ring with garage door spray lube.

I receive my Flex a few weeks back, and oiled the felt ring just in case. Also, it was said don't over tighten the bolt on the Flex.
Click to expand...

To avoid flex rash (from slight improper use) is to use machine oil (air tool oil). It's a great lubricant that doesn't need reapplication for a while.
 
mixmaster209 said:
thanks for all the feedback nosbusa. Really helpful. Appreciate it. Will go out and buy some 3-in-one if i can find.
Just one more question (sorry to be a pain), does this felt ring come off completely? meaning do we remove it and lube it, or lube it directly in the machine?

Thanks
Mike
Click to expand...

I've seen the felt ring removed, but I didn't removed mine to oil it. After thinking more about the air tool lube, I went ahead and put some on my flex, over the 3-n-1 oil.

I bought the lube at Lowes.

You can buy the air tool oil cheaper at Walmart for $2.00, it's made by Campbell Hausfeld, same company that makes the Kobalt oil at Lowes.

Hope this helps.
 
Good info nosbusa. Just checked on canadiantire.ca and they have the campbell hausfield air tool oil. I'm gonna go pick some up tommorow morning and oil the felt ring. We got nicer weather today for once, and the family cars are in dire need of a detail so i have to make sure the flex is prepared. :)
Really appreciate all the help. And hopefully this thread will help others as well.
 
I got one of the first ones to come out and have used quite a bit and the original backing plate is still fine.They sent me a replacement backing plate and it still sits unused.
 
redg35 said:
I got one of the first ones to come out and have used quite a bit and the original backing plate is still fine.They sent me a replacement backing plate and it still sits unused.
Click to expand...

exactly, the backing plate problem (original or new) is a small percentage when you think of how many thousands and thousands of Flex's they've sold...
 
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