Flex 3401 problems

[RandallPinkFloyd]

I’ve searched and can’t find any answers but, I bought a used but never used 3401 about 6 months ago. I have put several hours on it but, it hasn’t been abused. Picked it up the other day and no matter which speed setting it’s on, it will go fast/slow, fast/slow. I blew it out with air and took handle apart just for inspection. Looks new and like nothings outta place. Anybody ever ran into this? Thanks

[Bruno Soares]

Probably just needs new carbon brushes. That is an item that goes out at some point and in some tools it just happens quite soon, others take forever.

[Mike Phillips]

Probably just needs new carbon brushes. That is an item that goes out at some point and in some tools it just happens quite soon, others take forever.




My guess too....

I think Cris Metcalf has a video on YouTube on how to replace the brushes on a FLEX 3401.


I have one here in my office and the next time Chris is here I hope to use this tool to show how to replace the brushes.


I'll send the link to this thread to Chris.


:)

[RandallPinkFloyd]

You think the brushes wore out that quick?

[Mike Phillips]

Also...


Because this is your first post,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:


I just approved your pending account a few minutes ago - I recognize the forum nickname.

I've sent Chris the link to this e-mail. I'll share what I find out next time I'm in the office. Right now I have to go buff this out.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/4045/1937_Ford_047.JPG




:)

[RandallPinkFloyd]

Thanks and I appreciate it

[Bruno Soares]

You think the brushes wore out that quick?

Either that or they’re loose a bit. Find the video on YT showing how to replace and pull them out and inspect, reinstall, that might just take care of the issue.

[RandallPinkFloyd]

Either that or they’re loose a bit. Find the video on YT showing how to replace and pull them out and inspect, reinstall, that might just take care of the issue.


thanks again I appreciate it

[Mike Phillips]

Here you go,


How to replace video

YouTube (https://youtu.be/VCQPORQlx-M)



Main parts supplier if you would rather just send it in for repair.

Parts for XC3401VRG | Powerhouse Distributing (https://powerhousetoolparts.com/part-list/flex/xc3401vrg/)



:)

[RandallPinkFloyd]

Thanks again

[xabo]

Also...


Because this is your first post,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline! :welcome:


I just approved your pending account a few minutes ago - I recognize the forum nickname.

I've sent Chris the link to this e-mail. I'll share what I find out next time I'm in the office. Right now I have to go buff this out.


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/4045/1937_Ford_047.JPG




:)

Is that towel hiding something?

[Mike Phillips]

Find the video on YT showing how to replace and pull them out and inspect, reinstall, that might just take care of the issue.



What Bruce said above.

The FLEX tools are build like TANKS. Could be just a cleaning and re-insertion and you're back in the game.







Is that towel hiding something?




I usually post stuff like this in the forum group for asking me questions. Here you go....


New Mystery Product Testing - Review on Monday June 8th 2020 - HAMMERED 1937 Ford Roadster Streetrod (https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-mike-phillips-your-detailing-questions-/126666-new-mystery-product-testing-review-monday-june-8th-2020-hammered-1937-ford-roadster-streetrod.html)


I have posted a few videos to my FB page too.



:)

[Bruno Soares]

I like how Mike always calls me Bruce :D

[RandallPinkFloyd]

Ok, so it’s not the brushes. Sounds crazy but the brushes are firing off. If you turn polisher to the right, the right brush sparks strong and left brush is weak, then if you turn left, the left brush is strong and right is weak, I guess this is where the surge comes from. Would you think it’s the armature or speed control? These parts are pretty pricy. Just wanna try to get it right the first time. Thanks

[dwaleke]

I don't see how that rules out the brushes.

Take them out and see how much life is left in them. If they are almost gone you might have the experience you are describing.