First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

[gb387]

Well during the last detail of my Avalanche I experienced my first pad failure. Not totally sure why it happened but here are my observations. I was using my PC on speed 5 as I always do applying #80. I do wash these pads by hand and remember Meguiars does not recommend washing them. This pad is several years old so I did get my moneys worth out of it.

During the detail it seemed the Velcro on the pad was not attaching to the backing plate as well as it should, it was very easy to peel the pad off the backing plate and at times it almost wanted to fall off on its own. I decided to use the pad any way and about half way through the detail I started to notice some little yellow dust looking particles coming off the pad during operation and only a few seconds later poof the backing of the pad was damaged.

Here is what I noticed - I was surprised at how fast this happened, just a short time after noticing the yellow dust the pad failed. I was also surprised at how warm the backing of the pad and backing plate had gotten - it was more than warm it was hot, I have never felt them that hot before.

My guess is that the Velcro was not sticking to the backing pad as it should causing the pad and backing plate to rub together during operation instead of sticking firmly... causing heat to build up then causing the pad to fail.

Just thought I would post this, something to keep an eye on when using your PC seems to me the old Velcro caused the pad to fail who know I am no engineer just my observations.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

It looks like the adhesive holding the velcro on, vaporized. Wow.

[yalerd]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

Hey Brandon, wait till the new pads are available again. I got the chance to get some on ADS (cutting/polishing/finishing) and the new adhesive is awesome!!! I would recommend it

[CharlesW]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

The pad not sticking to the backing plate happened to me and the problem was actually a worn out backing plate.
None of my pads stuck to it like they had originally. I purchased a new backing plate and the problem was solved.
It might be worth your time to be sure your other pads stick good to your backing plate.

One caution, some backing plates grip the Velcro backing so tightly that I think that is part of the problem with pad/Velcro separation. I am careful to grip the Velcro itself when removing a pad rather than just grab the foam.

[ColonelCash]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

I had some velcro failure as well, just contact Customer Support if you feel the value does not equal the use you got from the pad. If the pad is a few years old, well...I'd say you got your $12 out of it.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

I had some velcro failure as well, just contact Customer Support if you feel the value does not equal the use you got from the pad. If the pad is a few years old, well...I'd say you got your $12 out of it.

Well said.

Customer Care 1-800-347-5700

[g88]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

Wow...velcro adhesive gone ??

[gb387]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

Well - I did get my $12 out of it but I am going to take a look at my backing plate before I use it again making sure the Velcro on the plate is still good, it is getting old.

[CharlesW]

Re: First pad failure ever, old Velcro might have been the problem...

Well - I did get my $12 out of it but I am going to take a look at my backing plate before I use it again making sure the Velcro on the plate is still good, it is getting old.

The backing plate I replaced did not look all that bad, but when I tried a different pad, I had the same problem with poor adhesion to the backing plate. Same pad worked fine with the new backing plate.