My Flex's Backing Plate is Shredding on Me - Page 2

OCKlasse · 04-14-08, 02:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshu7

Alright, I talked to Power House and they are sending me a new BP and felt ring. That's probably the easiest warranty experience I've ever had.

Werd. As would be expected with such an expensive machine

mshu7 · 04-14-08, 03:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by OCKlasse

Werd. As would be expected with such an expensive machine

Good point! lol

UncleWede · 09-04-08, 03:11

Those that got the BP replaced, did it shred again? I got mine first weekend in August, and last weekend the BP sarted to come loose. Looks like the center of the BP got stripped on the spindle. The screw was tight, but the whole BP is floating now. I'm going to send ot PowerHouse tonight for replacement. I've done the equivalent of about 3 full vehicles so far.

I looked at the expanded drawing on the Flex NA site and there was a washer under the screw. Mine didn't come with a washer. . . but I'm getting one on my own if the new one doesn't include one.

mystic04 · 09-05-08, 03:48

i just checked mine last night and no felt spacer i had a metal one under the screw .
It was a tad on the loose side to being i haven't checked it for awhile all the thread on the felt spaces made me go and check it so far no problmes glad i ordered 2 extra backing plates when i put my order thur to power house.

BK_DC · 01-06-09, 01:15

Pulling up an old thread because I polished my car last weekend with my Flex and the raised lip of my backing plate totally shredded off. This happened when I wasn't quite finished polishing, and I don't have a backup polisher. However, once that plastic lip was off the plate, it actually worked fine and I was able to complete the job.

I called Power House and they asked me to send them the backing plate, felt ring, and serial number of the unit. For the felt ring -- how do I remove that? I assume we're talking about the light-colored piece of felt that is on the unit after you remove the plate? Mine does look a little cooked. Does it just pull out of there?

For those of you who had the plate replaced under warranty, did you have to actually send the bad plate and ring to Power House? Kind of a PITA, but I guess I understand they need to do it so you aren't scamming them.

twitch · 01-06-09, 05:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK_DC

Pulling up an old thread because I polished my car last weekend with my Flex and the raised lip of my backing plate totally shredded off. This happened when I wasn't quite finished polishing, and I don't have a backup polisher. However, once that plastic lip was off the plate, it actually worked fine and I was able to complete the job.

I called Power House and they asked me to send them the backing plate, felt ring, and serial number of the unit. For the felt ring -- how do I remove that? I assume we're talking about the light-colored piece of felt that is on the unit after you remove the plate? Mine does look a little cooked. Does it just pull out of there?

For those of you who had the plate replaced under warranty, did you have to actually send the bad plate and ring to Power House? Kind of a PITA, but I guess I understand they need to do it so you aren't scamming them.

The felt ring should just lift up and out of the crevice that it sits in. Be certain, as I am sure they told you already, to oil the new felt ring with some light oil before use. Supposedly this keeps it lubricated and stops it from heating to the point of causing the backing plate to melt.

I had mine replaced a while back. I didn't have to send my old backing plate in but I can understand why they are asking for them now. I can not complain at all about their service, it was excellent!

Good luck and keep us informed of what happens.

KnuckleBuckett · 01-08-09, 05:32

There are detailed threads about this issue in the forum. Try a search or two.

Also.

1) Before installing the felt ring, lubricate it. I used Mobil 1. I poured a bit into a ziplock. Soaked the felt nicely. I then removed the felt and dabbed it "dry" with a couple of paper towels. I then installed the felt ring.

2) The bolt that fastens the plate can work loose if it is not installed tightly. I know that a couple of folks in the forum have used a thin lock washer under the bolt to guarantee the security of the bolt. I plan on doing this myself this spring.

My new ring and backing plate with the above procedure have been flawless.

BK_DC · 01-08-09, 07:35

Thanks, guys. I was able to remove the felt ring with some effort. I'll be sending it and the backing plate to Power House today.

I appreciate the need to search and I do realize there are other threads on this topic -- that's how I found this one. What I didn't see, but I suppose I could have overlooked, is discussion about how to remove the felt ring or a thread where someone had to mail in the damaged pieces, which is a bit of a PITA. My felt ring seemed like it was glued in, it was so tight (it wasn't glued, just a bit cooked by the heat, I guess). I didn't want to force it out if that would be doing something wrong.

Thanks for the tip on oiling. I'll do that. At least my gear ring inside the unit looks like it's in good shape, not like some photos I saw in other threads. Once I have a new plate and oiled felt ring, I should be back in business.

EDIT - my shredded backing plate looks exactly like this one, but I don't see rust on the bolt or the same wear on my ring gear inside: Flex 3401 - Is this normal???

budman3 · 01-08-09, 07:44

Would some blue (not permanent) Locktite be a good idea to use on the BP screw?

jordanrossbell · 01-08-09, 09:04

He did search, the dates on this thread are pretty old...

I did something that was not "officially" recommended by flex and put an extra washer on mine...found a similar size to the one included and stuck it right on top of it...i wanted that little extra clearance to not shred my new BP they sent me...from what i could tell i think the issue is uneven pressure...i dont use any pressure with mine and have yet to see any difficulties

Accumulator · 01-08-09, 10:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordanrossbell

...i dont use any pressure with mine and have yet to see any difficulties

I've always wondered if user-applied pressure was at the root of the backing plate/felt ring issue

weekendwarrior convinced me to go ahead and lube my felt ring, but I use a really light firearms-grade lube.

Quote:

Originally Posted by budman3

Would some blue (not permanent) Locktite be a good idea to use on the BP screw?

I can't imagine a reason why *not*. I use Blue LT on all sorts of stuff like this (e.g., foamgun fittings). I'm not using it on *my* Flex 3401 only because I plan to switch back and forth between the oe backing plate and my Edge adaptor.

jordanrossbell · 01-08-09, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I've always wondered if user-applied pressure was at the root of the backing plate/felt ring issue

weekendwarrior convinced me to go ahead and lube my felt ring, but I use a really light firearms-grade lube.

I can't imagine a reason why *not*. I use Blue LT on all sorts of stuff like this (e.g., foamgun fittings). I'm not using it on *my* Flex 3401 only because I plan to switch back and forth between the oe backing plate and my Edge adaptor.

I honestly think it is..i know that i used a bit of pressure and i got a rashed backing plate...now i dont and the housing doesnt seem to get near as hot (im using a 12 guarge extension cord) i dont now, if i need some more cut i grab a different pad/polish combo...i let it do the work..i still love my flex even though it has been kinda a pain for me sometimes...i dont feel like i need another machine since this serves me well, so when its out..so am i