I've read a few people moaning about the quality control 'issues' with Intense frames. I've noted them and thought that I must have got a good one. Apparently not.
My 3 year old 5.5 frame had developed a bit of play at the back. As full sussers tend to. So it was booked into the LBS for new bushes and bearings. However, on removing the bottom linkage the bearings just dropped out of the frame. The new bearings can be popped straight in loose and be moved around. The guy at the shop reckons this isn't an issue of wear, this an issue of the original tolerances being a mile out! The bearings will have then been thread-locked in (bodged) and off it went
So now my issue is WTF to do about it? Does anyone have any experience with Intense customer services? I've not heard good things. Is there a cat in hells chance of a warranty claim? As it stands the frame isn't usable and I'm not reet happy about it
And seeing as they've changed distributors (now CRC) since I bought the thing, who do I moan too? I can't find a direct customer services number or email for Intense.
Any advice welcome. cheers.
I think the issue will be proving it was an original manufacturing defect and not wear caused by siezed bearings rotating in the frame.
You coudl always try and contact them direct via twitter/their facebook page?
It can be wear. The bearings seize and are turned in their seats.
The bearings will have then been thread-locked in (bodged) and off it went
Objection, your Honour. Hearsay.
Without solid proof (i.e. traces of said adhesive) that is very close to libel.
There will be solutions if all else fails - gap filling threadlock or even shims if it's really that awful.
Just get an engineering shop to fill and rebore. Be glad you didn't find a crack.
And seeing as they've changed distributors (now CRC)
Are you sure? Is it no longer [url= http://www.extrauk.co.uk/ ]Extra UK[/url]? I've contacted Extra before with a few Intense q's and found them really helpful and quick to reply. Might be worth a search [url= http://forums.mtbr.com/intense/ ]over here[/url] too as a few folks on there have had warranty issues dealt with by Intense. I know when my old Tazer VP (which uses the same rear end as the 5.5) developed bearing play, there was no way those bearings were going anywhere without the appropriate removal tool - cue top job by lbs.
It's quite common for bike manufacturers to use a bearing retainer (Loctite) in a bearing seat due to tolerance differences.
I'd refit with some 641 or stronger, leave to cure for 24h & you will fine. Plenty of people do it. Siezed bearings will turn on the axle and wear the bore, hard to prove otherwise, especially on a lower link of a VPP bike (well known bearing muncher).
Thanks very much indeed for the advice folks. Hobnob What's '641'?
And Onza dog - You're right - It could indeed have been a lot worse. Looks like its salvageable anyway.
The Intense Warranty statement says 2 years
Ah, enlist a bit of Google Fu, Loctite 641 is a bearing retaining compound. Apply liberally in bearing seat, press (or drop in your case!) bearing in, leave to set for 24h & you should be good to go.
It's a medium compound one, which I have found is all I ever need, they do a stronger one but it makes bearing removal a bit more interesting when the time comes...
[s]Loctite 641 is green very strong loctite[/s]
my bad it is medium, got confused with 620 that is the strong stuff
Ah... yes. As Google has just informed me. Sorry, I'm feeling a bit 'special' this morning. Must be all the sunshine 😉
An alternative to loctite could be different bearings.
I know for example the OD of a Hope bulb bearing is very slightly smaller than the OD of a pro 2 bearing (the ones that sit inside the rear hub shell), could a more suitable fix be trying to source a bearing with a slightly larger OD so that it fits without the use of retaining compounds?
This is presuming the frame is out of warantee.
If you fitted the new locktite its fair to say (worsecase) that it'd mean the bearings etc you've fitted are the last you'll ever fit again? So how long could you expect them to last?
Can you get uprated sealed bearings now? (Just thinking as somepoint down the line, as mentioned they'd need to be removed again and it'd be ny on impossible!).
I know for example the OD of a Hope bulb bearing is very slightly smaller than the OD of a pro 2 bearing
By very slightly you mean a completely different size?
But yes, you could have it machined out maybe, possibly to an imperial size?
God you and hora are peas in a pod
😉
i have a rear triangle red will look good on your bike IMHO 😀
Bummer dude
[i]If you fitted the new locktite its fair to say (worsecase) that it'd mean the bearings etc you've fitted are the last you'll ever fit again[/i]
no, you can still get them out, just needs a bit more effort.
WE ARE NOT!!!! Note: I've had the Intense over two years 😉
thisisnotaspoon
completely different size?
Yes completly different size and not compatable with one another but the difference is only small.