Flex 3401 Wool Ring Lubrication???

**LHB1** · 11-09-2010, 12:48 PM

Just got my new Flex 3401. Some posters have advised lubricating the wool ring with light oil. The Flex owners manual doesn't identify or mention the wool ring. Can you explain:
1. Purpose of wool ring?
2. Why should it be oiled?
3. Type of oil, amount used, frequency of application?

Thanks for clearing up this issue.
LHB1

**CEE DOG** · 11-09-2010, 12:54 PM

The last 2 pictures on this page show you the location of the felt ring.

Review-FLEX XC 3401 Dual Action Orbital Polisher

I use air tool oil and I just place a few drops intermittently around the ring and rub them in until spread around it. I do this about every other time I do a car.

**LHB1** · 11-09-2010, 01:01 PM

CeeDog,
Thanks for the post. I saw the wool ring. My question is more why than what. Since the ring is not even shown/listed/mentioned in the owners manual, I am curious as to why people have specifically recommended oiling it with air tool oil. What is the purpose of ring and why/how does the oil help? I'm one of those people who always wants to know why something should or should not be done.

LHB1

**Rob T** · 11-09-2010, 02:29 PM

I'm a bad boy. I've never oiled my felt ring.

**Dubbin1** · 11-09-2010, 02:40 PM

Some people had problems with the backing plate melting, oil on the felt ring seems to have fixed the problem.

**BobbyG** · 11-09-2010, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by Dubbin1

Some people had problems with the backing plate melting, oil on the felt ring seems to have fixed the problem.

Dwayne's spot on with this.

While it's probably no longer necessary I'll continue to lube mine just as a precautionary measure. Some apply a few drops of oil but I use a light grease.

I've been using Shooters Choice Synthetic All-Weather High-Tech Gun Grease for over 20 years and one thing I like about it is it stays put and doesn't separate or run.

Another reason for using this is the last thing I want to do is contaminate the surface with microscopic droplets of oil that "may" form once the assembly gets warm due to friction.

Synthetic All-Weather Gun Grease - Shooter's Choice

**OCDetails** · 11-09-2010, 03:05 PM

I got my 3401 right after they came out and the ring came unlubricated. They fixed that and started lubing them before they went out the door. Using the dry ring definitely caused problems and melted the crap out of my backing plate. I've got pictures around here somewhere... If you aren't having issues at this point then you should be fine. Mine started melting and throwing little black bits of plastic everywhere on my first car, so it doesn't take long for it to gum up if it isn't lubed properly. I've been using my new lubed ring for a couple years now and have never had an issue. I haven't even taken off the backing plate since I put the new ring in, so I don't think it needs much maintenance.

**LHB1** · 11-09-2010, 03:58 PM

Thanks for the info, guys. I am getting ready to use my 3401 for the first time this afternoon. Don't have any air tool oil but do have an ample suppy of various firearm lubes and greases. May try some Wilson's Ultima-Lube oil or grease on the wool ring. Will be applying Pinnacle Signature Series II wax over an existing coat of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 on space gray BMW. I'm a little hesitant to use the Flex for the first time on my new car. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't mess it up somehow.

LHB

**OCDetails** · 11-09-2010, 04:01 PM

Don't stress too much. It is really hard to hurt the paint with the 3401 short of dropping the machine on the hood. Just watch the speed around the edges of panels and you should be fine.