Why does my FLEX XFE make that noise?

[Mike Phillips]

Why does my FLEX XFE make that noise? (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions/100700-why-does-my-flex-xfe-make-noise.html)


Have you ever noticed sometimes you hear a noise that sounds like little BBs rolling around inside your FLEX XFE 7 Orbital Polisher?

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3069/Internal_AutoBalancer_03.jpg



Well it's not loose bearings and it's not a loose nut or bolt that sound you hear is the FLEX Internal AUTOBALANCER System.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3069/Internal_AutoBalancer_00.jpg


The Engineers at FLEX in Germany designed a system to reduce vibration via their Internal AUTOBALANCER System.


How it works

If a buffing pad is not perfectly centered or if there is more liquid mass, i.e. more compound, polish or wax that has accumulated in one section of a buffing pad causing the buffing pad to weigh more in that section than the rest of the pad, the FLEX Internal AUTOBALANCER System will counter the unevenness to remove vibration for a smoother buffing experience.

And that's what's you hear rattling if you shake your FLEX XFE 7 Orbital Buffer.

It's not broke.
It doesn't have a bearing going out.
It doesn't have a loose nut or bolt inside of the tool.

If you remove the backing plate you will not see the mechanism as it's not accessible. You also won't see any BBs, bearings or broken parts rattling around inside the shroud.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3069/Internal_AutoBalancer_01.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/3069/Internal_AutoBalancer_02.jpg


It's 100% normal and instead of hanging out on the AGO detailing discussion forum you can be out in your garage buffing on a car with your in perfect working condition FLEX XFE 7 Orbital Polisher.




:)

[Mike Phillips]

What?

You don't have a FLEX XFE 7 Orbital Polisher?



On Autogeek.com

By itself...

FLEX XFE7-15 Long Stroke Orbital Polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xfe7-15-orbital-polisher.html)



Or in a kit...

FLEX XFE7-15 Long Throw Orbital Starter Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-xfe715-starter-kit.html) – Choose Your Pads!


http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/images/smilies/dblthumb2.gif

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

I noticed that sound when I switched on the machine but didn't get any further than that. I need to get going with it and polish something.

Thanks for posting this Mike. Didn't know about the AUTOBALANCER system.

[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

Nice post, i noticed this while using it on competition ready, i knew that this was a characteristic of the tool and had no concern!

[WRAPT C5Z06]

In the long throw noise comparison video, the Flex 15 sure looked the smoothest of them all.

[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

In the long throw noise comparison video, the Flex 15 sure looked the smoothest of them all.

It is a very smooth polishing experience

[WRAPT C5Z06]

It is a very smooth polishing experience
Nice. Heard is doesn't have quite of power of the Mark II 15.

[Jaretr1]

I thought this was a very nice tool, and in my using it during the filming, I did not feel for a moment it was lacking power.

[VISITOR]

Nice. Heard is doesn't have quite of power of the Mark II 15.

to add, IME Flex's QC is better than rupes which makes a big difference to me as well...

[rlmccarty2000]

How is the Flexs QC better than the Rupes? Care to chime in on the GG also? This is important.

[Rommel]

German ingenuity....

[Mike Phillips]

***Bump***


:)

[luckydawg]

Thanks for reposting this Mike!!!!

[mwoywod]

In terms of power the Rupes LHR 15 < Boss 15

The Rupes 15 MK2 is substantially more powerful, smoother, has better ergonomics, and runs WAY cooler than the boss 15.

When the Rupes 15 MK2 and the Boss 15 both have the washer mod, I get more power on the MK2 at speed 3.5-4.0 than I do on the Boss 15 on speed 5.5-6.0

I would also LOVE to know how the XFE 15 compares to both of these tools. From everything I've heard so far, it seems like the XFE 15 is closer to the original Rupes LHR 15 in terms of pad rotation and power.

[B5visser]

I would also LOVE to know how the XFE 15 compares to both of these tools. From everything I've heard so far, it seems like the XFE 15 is closer to the original Rupes LHR 15 in terms of pad rotation and power.

Id like to see the comparison as well- as IMO the flex has plenty of power, albeit I will admit I’m at speed 5+ 80% of the time. I Also use the 5” BP. There’s been a couple comparisons on YouTube (Sandro from car craft auto detailing preferred the DAS6 for correctional ability and thought the XFE was lacking, whereas forensic detailing seemed to prefer the XFE7 > 15mk2). I have a 21mk2, and it is certainly faster and more powerful than my XFE7, however, I prefer the size, ergonomics and variable trigger of the XFE7 hands down over the rupes. Just my opinion.

I will add, too that when I was sent a replacement XFE7 from flex due to a faulty backing plate interface (AWESOME interaction and customer service from flex BTW), and the new one does NOT have the auto balancing system. I’ve noticed that the vibrations are about the same as the first unit, but it doesn’t rattle when you shake it. Also verified by taking it apart and seeing it for myself. FWIW