Rubber cup shredding rubber everywhere on my 21

**cf2121** · 02-19-2016, 07:09 AM

Hey guys, sorry if this has been brought up before, I did a little searching and didn`t see anything.

Last fall, my 21 began to throw pecks of rubber from the backing plate rubbing against that part of the machine.

I did some searching on Autogeek and Mike Phillips chimed in and said it was nothing to worry about, it won`t cause any harm, etc etc.

I haven`t noticed anything wrong with the cutting power of compounds or polishes, it`s just annoying having to clean up rubber whenever I use a compound or polish that isn`t supposed to dust.

This only happens when I run the machine on higher speeds, 5 or 6, and put more pressure down, like when I`m compounding vs. polishing.

Everything else on the machine works perfectly fine.

I emailed Kevin Brown this morning too about possibly getting the washer mod to alleviate the issue.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any input?

**RaysWay** · 02-19-2016, 10:19 AM

thread fixed

**Marc08EX** · 02-19-2016, 10:23 AM

I also experienced it and that`s why I installed a washer on mine. I love the washer mod on the Rupes machines.

**danlc95** · 04-09-2016, 01:26 PM

The plate needs to be greased periodically, of after being cleaned. Dielectric grease is what they recommend.

Takes care of everything.

**Accumulator** · 04-09-2016, 01:41 PM

This reminds me of some (potential) issues with the Flex 3401 can have with its plate rubbing against the housing.

**JBM** · 04-09-2016, 07:02 PM

There is a sandpaper mod now, rubber pieces in my paint is a no way Jose`

**cf2121** · 04-10-2016, 07:03 PM

I put the washer mod in and it works like a charm.

Thanks guys!

**4u2nvinmtl** · 04-10-2016, 09:15 PM

The "washer mod" should allow for enough space so they don`t rub.

**AGPOLDetailing** · 08-24-2016, 03:35 AM

I`m against washer mod, because Rupes designed tools to be used as they are.
What I recommend is using a light lubricating oil or grease to lube the backing plate part which rubs against machine rubber cup.

**Accumulator** · 08-24-2016, 09:53 AM

Is the plate *supposed to* be able to come in contact with the housing? On the Flex 3401 it shouldn`t happen, and/but only does when significant pressure is applied in a certain manner. Just wondering...might look into either a Rupes or a GG Boss some day.

**rlmccarty2000** · 08-24-2016, 10:40 AM

It is supposed to be an "anti spin" feature. I haven`t noticed any black rubber from my Rupes 15 or 21 and I have not installed the washer mod in either.