Flex 3401 - Is this normal???

[Xcessiv]

8 months ago, I bought a Flex 3401 to avoid reliability issues with other models like the UDM. I was fully aware of its limitation, like its fragility when applying too much pressure on the extremities.



I think this wasn't enough because 6 months after the purchase and around 5 jobs later, what looked like a tiny plastic ring came off the plate. I ensured that the Allen bolt was tightened properly and everything was perfect. I therefore completed the job flawlessly, without a single sign of abnormal wear.



Today, 2 months after this incident, I decided to open the Flex and see what was going on to be sure that there was nothing wrong and that I'd be ready for the next jobs. The first noticeable thing before removing the plate was a very minor backlash up and down; maybe 1mm. After opening everything, here's the result:

I really don't think this is normal; is it? Should I send it back? Is this typically covered by the warranty?

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Isn't this the felt ring issue? Where you have to put some lube on it or something or it rubs the backing plate and overheats.

 

[Xcessiv]

Maybe, but I wasn't aware of this and now I guess it's too late.

 

[imported_weekendwarrior]

Contact the vendor of your Flex. Mine stepped up and sent me a replacement plate and ring free of charge. I lubed the new ring, and no problems since.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Sheesh, another Flex lube issue...what did the vendor say about why this happened, did they suggest the lube, what kind did you use?

 

[imported_weekendwarrior]

My vendor said some plates act up, and some don't. They just sent me a new one. I think I used 3 in 1 oil, but I can't remember. Air tool oil, sewing machine oil, and even motor oil will work as far as I know.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

So they didn't say it should be lubricated periodically? I think someone said they used synthetic motor oil.

 

[wfedwar]

You have two problems. First, the backing plate/felt ring lube issue already discussed. Second, the ring gear is worn. That's where your 1 mm play is coming from. The gear on the backing plate is worn too, but that's getting replaced. I'd try to get a new ring gear before it all goes back together because it may wear out your new backing plate gear more quickly.

 

[Xcessiv]

You have two problems. First, the backing plate/felt ring lube issue already discussed. Second, the ring gear is worn. That's where your 1 mm play is coming from. The gear on the backing plate is worn too, but that's getting replaced. I'd try to get a new ring gear before it all goes back together because it may wear out your new backing plate gear more quickly.

Excellent observation! I guess you're talking about the picture below, but I was also talking about backlash in the other axe: up and down. I'll ask for a replacement gear.

 

[Xcessiv]

So they didn't say it should be lubricated periodically? I think someone said they used synthetic motor oil.

No one ever told me to lube this part. Before buying my flex, I posted on many many many discussion boards without any comment about this. My vendor (Eshine) didn't communicate this information either.

 

[wfedwar]

No one ever told me to lube this part. Before buying my flex, I posted on many many many discussion boards without any comment about this. My vendor (Eshine) didn't communicate this information either.

Don't feel bad about it. I got mine and only knew about the issue from posts on here. I specifically looked for any mention of this in the literature supplied with my buffer and I couldn't find it. I've never seen anything that says that this is a recommendation from Flex.

 

[eShine]

My vendor (Eshine) didn't communicate this information either.

This is also the first time we heard about having to lube it. I have spoke to Flex several times about the backing plates and lube was never mentioned.

 

[imported_Exelero]

i was told by flex to use a garage door spray lube you can get in lowes or home depot.after several calls and getting someone who new what they were talking about an had an enough english this is what i was told.use the garage spray lube they use it on the rails cause it is a spray gets in tight areas and dries instant to a gel that sticks very well to the parts an last for almost ever.i use this stuff on everything now it lubes an stays where you put it.

 

[Setec Astronomy]

i was told by flex to use a garage door spray lube you can get in lowes or home depot

Can you elaborate a little more on what that is? An aerosol white lithium grease or something else?

 

[imported_Grouse]

I soaked my felt ring in 30w motor oil for a day or so. squeezed the excess out and simply re do that once every few months.

 

[imported_Exelero]

Can you elaborate a little more on what that is? An aerosol white lithium grease or something else?

i get the name of it tomorrow lol i'm at work right now.this stuff works great i used it on my car window tracks today cause so cold.now they go right up an down with ease.

 

[Accumulator]

I soaked my felt ring in 30w motor oil for a day or so. squeezed the excess out and simply re do that once every few months.

As I'll be switching back and forth between the oe backing plate and the Edge adaptor, I didn't want any more lube on the ring than necessary, so I went towards the other extreme and just used a *very* light application of firearm lube, which will need redone more often but is a cleaner, more minimalist approach.



I gotta admit all this talk of disassembling the thing and lubing it up kinda has me :hmph:

 

[imported_Grouse]

well to the point every few months has been well 18 months now. IE since i got my original replacement backing plate.

 

[Accumulator]

well to the point every few months has been well 18 months now. IE since i got my original replacement backing plate.

Heh heh, OK, roger that... :xyxthumbs

 

[Xcessiv]

Ok, so I got the replacement parts (backing plate and ring gear).



Looking at the ring gear, what could have caused this damage?

My warranty is ending soon. If it's a bearing, I'll try to get it replaced now.